15 September 2025
The recent members’ webinar, humorously titled “Five Things You Need to Know to Live Forever,” focused on practical health and fitness advice for pilots who want to remain active and safe in the cockpit well into later life.
Hosted by Ian with guest speaker Dr. Frank Voeten, an experienced GP and former aviation medical examiner, the session mixed light-hearted anecdotes with valuable guidance.
Frank emphasised that staying fit to fly isn’t about extreme measures but about consistent, sustainable habits. Regular walking — around 6,000 steps a day, plus three brisk 20-minute walks a week — was highlighted as one of the most effective ways to maintain cardiovascular health, stamina, and mental sharpness.
Keep flying with simple changes to your lifestyle!
For those willing, cycling, swimming, yoga and light strength training can further improve mobility, reduce stiffness, and make getting in and out of aircraft easier.
Nutrition was another key theme. Frank encouraged lean proteins, vegetables, hydration, and moderation with alcohol, noting that weight control often comes down to small daily choices. He warned against relying on drastic diets or unnecessary preventative statin use, pointing out that genetics play a large role in cholesterol levels.
Mental fitness, good sleep routines, and regular medical check-ups were also stressed. Frank reminded attendees to make use of available screenings, eye tests, and GP visits, and to take symptoms seriously rather than “toughing it out.”
The webinar closed with discussion on broader regulatory medical issues, but the central message was clear: stay active, eat smart, rest well, and keep flying safely for years to come.
FLYER Club members can watch the above webinar – and many others – from the member’s dashboard.
