It's the FAA that mandated that, not the airlines. And it is only scheduled airlines. Cargo has no restrictions on age so long as the pilot can pass the FAA exam. More here:http://www.apaad.org/history.htm
But, there is a mandatory retirement age, isn't there?
Instead of intelligently answering my question, you tried to dance around this issue, once again.
You asserted that any and all pilots can fly whatever type of airplane in whatever kind of conditions. You even tried to say that Yeager flew solo during his 50th anniversary flight, which is either a bald-faced lie or a boldly ignorant statement.
Then when I pointed out that your own source said there was another pilot with Yeager, you fell back to saying "Yeah, but Yeager was at the controls and talking on the radio."
You know what? We're done. It's clear you either can't or won't defend the issue you, yourself raised.
The truth of the matter is that as people age, their physical and mental capabilities diminish. This occurs whether you choose to accept and/or acknowledge this fact.
FRegards,