Question

read this claim: forced retirement for airline pilots at age 60 is a good policy that ensures safety for passengers. which counterclaim is most appropriate for the author to address? a. just because a pilot is 60 years old doesnt mean that he or she is reckless or unconcerned about passengers. b. the idea that forced retirement will free up jobs for younger pilots is false; airlines are largely cutting back. c. age 60 is no longer as old as it used to be; healthy pilots can continue flying safely for many years after 60. d. the safety of passengers isnt as important as the ability of older pilots to keep jobs and provide for their families.

Explanation:

The original claim links forced pilot retirement at 60 to passenger safety. The strongest counterclaim directly challenges this safety link by arguing that healthy 60+ pilots can still fly safely, undermining the core of the original claim. Option A focuses on recklessness, not safety capability; Option B is about job availability, not safety; Option D downplays passenger safety, which is a weaker counter than directly refuting the safety rationale.

Answer:

C. Age 60 is no longer as old as it used to be; healthy pilots can continue flying safely for many years after 60.