Donald Winslow - AOPA Pilot Information Center

My insurance agent told me that most of their companies are dropping coverage for pilots 75 and older and that only two companies bid on a policy. I have no accidents or incidents and fly a modern fixed gear aircraft with one of the industry's best safety ratings. The rate has doubled. It would be nice to find a lower rate but I am even more concerned about getting dropped next year or the year after that even though I have no medical issues.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

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Donald Winslow Sep '20

Robert Tucker,

I am 79 and have cheaper insurance than most younger pilots. I am a high time pilot and have a 2nd Class Med.
Try my agent, Ed Davis, 805 375- 3327.

Ray Winslow

Donald Winslow Flight Instructor Oral Exam Guide

Oct '19

Introductions and General Aviation Discussion

Flight Instructor Oral Exam Guide

HI again, after 33 years away from flying, I decided to jump back into an airplane. I obtained my commercial, instrument and multi back in the 80's. Now, I am on my way to get my CFI. I am getting ready for my oral and was wondering if the book "FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR ORAL EXAM GUIDE" would be beneficial. I know that any book is beneficial but I am trying to learn as much as I can and be prepared for the TEST!!! Already passed my FOI and FIA, also my lesson plans are done. Really need ... more

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Donald Winslow Oct '19

Congratulations Victor. I am impressed. Like your idea for older pilot instructor's group.
Would you consider including instructors that obtained their certificate 30 0r 40 years ago or more? At 78 I still instruct and it is a big effort to keep up with all the changes in aviation where as you are fresh off the turnstile. AOPA really helps with the Flight Training Magazine and all the training videos. Would be nice to talk (question) someone like you. No, don't worry, that is a good thing. By the way my old Flight Instructor's Handbook was published by the CAA. Good stuff in there, especially for Eights on Pylons.
Ray Winslow raysue3448@gmail.com

Donald Winslow My Spouse Believes Old People Should not Fly

Jul '18

Introductions and General Aviation Discussion

My Spouse Believes Old People Should not Fly

No - seriously.

She read an article of how a 63 year old died while piloting an aircraft and the only reason they knew that happened is another pilot was in the plane and landed it. So, now she is of the belief people my age, 65 should not fly. Especially since commercial airline pilots can't fly for the airlines any more past 65. Of course, we all know she is wrong. However. I guess that is what happens when you make assumptions based on beliefs and tidbits of information here and there. I told here there are pilot flying that are over 80 years old. Of course the first person she thought of was her 80+ year old mother and she freaked out about that. Of course not all people age the same, some people stay healthier and sharper longer than others. At this point I'm thinking it's a good thing she doesn't write the FARs or work for the FAA. LOL

My guess is it will take time to turn her thinking around. I know she doesn't understand this is not like driving a car where you just walk in, take an eye test and renew for another 4 years and taking a person's license away is pretty hard. Between the Medical Certificate and the Flight Reviews the people who are unable to act as pilot in command are weeded out. Can someone be missed, sure. It's just unlikely.

In my case I am 65, overweight, type 2 diabetic on metformin, a statin and mild BP medicine. I have Special Issuance, which is a PIA, but my numbers are still good and I am working on the overweight thing. That is part of why she is worried. I guess it's good she cares. In the meantime, I am working on an Instrument Rating and am about to take the written soon. I am pretty sure she has no clue about what it all takes to earn the rating or even what is involved in a Flight Review. Can you imagine how much different the roads would be is every 2 years you had to demonstrate you know the rules of the road and that you know how to control and recover from a skid, make an emergency lane change, come to a rapid, controlled stop. Add to that getting a Dr to sign off you are physically fit to drive.

I don't plan on stopping until I can't get a medical or can't pass a flight review. I expect that will be a while down the road. (I didn't tell her about Basic Med. That would really freak her out.) Just hoping eventually I can turn her thinking around. I guess I can try to educate her anytime she appears open to it. In the meantime ...

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Donald Winslow Jul '18

I agree with J Killian.
I am 77, married 54 years and my wife does not wish to just go fly, but is okay with me going. A trip to visit is okay. I used to say her idea of flying was fist class to HNL.
I was a crop duster when we were married, joined the Navy. Flew North Viet Nam early when our losses were really heavy, so she has been through all of that. After 21 years of single seat jets and 5 carriers, lots of missing friend, she still fears being left alone at our age. But she knows how much I have always loved to fly, so puts up with all the expense pf the Swift and the hangar.
If you have the right gal, life is good.

Ray

Donald Winslow Basic Med for older pilots not good!

Feb '18

Introductions and General Aviation Discussion

Basic Med for older pilots not good!

Basic Med really doesn't work for older pilots 75 and over. I have owned a basic complex airplane for over 30 years with retractable gear and a constant speed prop. My current insurance is in the $1200 to $1400 range for $500k liability and does require a yearly medical. If I was to go with Basic Med with the same coverage it is well over $3000. So much for Basic Med not increasing premiums. I have 2 quotes for Basic Med one of which is AOPA and they are both over $3000. This is ... more

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Donald Winslow Feb '18

I am 76, 77 in a few months. I have not been asked to have a medical exam every year. I fly my Swift 210hp complex air plane with a Million dollars liability for $442/yr. Cheaper than my pickup! Have owned this plane for 14 years. Hull insurance on the Swift seems too way too high due to many accidents and hard to replace parts, so I have never purchased it after the first year.