Nanasix “There are old pilots and bold pilots but no old bold pilots”. That not just a saying, there is a lot of truth behind it. Many years ago when I was a young pilot my instructor told me that you start out with a big bag of luck and an empty bag of experience. The trick is to fill that bag of experience before the bag of luck runs out. I have also learned through the years that most (not all) pilots who get between 300 to 700 hours of experience have a false sense of experience. They believe that even the Good Lord will not change the weather without consulting them first. That is why you find them sticking out of the sides of mountains. So when it comes down to age, I understand what you’re saying but please understand that age is not the only criteria that the FAA uses to determine your ability to fly.

Nanasix; I know this family personally and have since I was a child. Mr. Shanks is an incredible man who has been flying forever and is still quite capabile of it even at 81. So I agree with everyone else up here, be really careful what you say because his family, friends, and community read these comments and ones like you made are really offensive. Instead of being rude you might want to try sending prayers to the family.

Age is just a number......was a not a factor and should not be considered a factor in this unfortunate incident.

In 2001, the FAA renewed my father's pilot license at the age of 81. He continued to fly until he passed away at the age of 86. He also continued to drive and did an excellent job of that. I would personally feel safer with an older pilot as opposed to some 20 year old hot shot. And that includes on the roads and highways as well. How many 70 and 80 year olds have heard about recently who have died in car crashes doing something that they should not have been doing in the first place?

nanasix, seriously? I've seen 81 year olds in better shape than obese lazy 20 year olds. There are plenty of senior citizens that are still kickin' like a chicken'. Who are you to generalize a generation as to what they should or shouldn't be capable of just because of their age? Having a pilots license isn't about your age, it's about having the knowledge and ability to fly a plane safely and securely. Do you think somebody who is 81 shouldn't be able to have a drivers license either? What are they supposed to do...just shut down and not live their life because of their age. Shame on you to pass judgement on somebody for their age. And shame on you for "I pray for this family" yet you still want to insult the pilot. You don't know him so you don't know his capabilities. I personally know seasoned Pilot's who are in their 60's and they still fly planes in Smithfield. They're great at what they do and enjoy it. I see absolutely nothing wrong with that.