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knowledge, to devise a system of selective applicability which has a reasonable chance of successfully achieving its purpose. While Dr. Billings believes that there are some airline pilots, and possibly even a majority in the age 60 group who could safely continue to function as airline pilots beyond that age, he states that we have no means at the moment of determining which airline pilots fall within that category.

2. In terms of its human implications upon the individual and upon his self-esteem and emotional well-being, a blanket, broadly applicable rule may be less destructive to individuals, in his view, than might a selective rule which relates the disqualification to a highly personal deterioration or inadequacy in the individual. Since a selective method would, in Dr. Billings view, involve a largely arbitrary evaluation of an airline pilot by others, he believes that to replace the current rule with one which would be selective in its application would, in effect, be to substitute one arbitrary and sometimes unfair standard for another.

Dr. Billings indicated that we are here dealing with hat is largely a matter of statistical probability, and that the sources of raw data on airline pilots and the effects of aging upon them don't yet provide an adequate basis for reaching reliable statistical conclusions concerning airline pilots as a group distinct from the general population. In his view, it might be productive over the long term to examine into and follow up experience on early retirement or dismissal of airline pilots because of the effects of aging on their performance, to determine the extent to which the less-dramatic but equally significant effects of aging are currently being recognized and dealt with as a matter of training and checking practice.

Finally, Dr. Billings characterized himself as the "devil's advocate" and expressed regret for his inability to suggest a clear path to success in our program. He was most friendly and cooperative, and invited our communication with him on these matters whenever we deemed it appropriate.

While the foregoing account is intended only as a summary of what was covered in some 5 and 1/2 hours of discussion, it reflects, in my view, an accurate picture of the principal areas which were treated.

HAL

cc: Donald W. Madole
James E. Meals
Charles Billings, M.D.

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