The authors reviewed studies of cognitive proficiency and flight performance. Age-group differences were found in pilots in perceptual-motor skills and memory and, to a lesser extent, in attention and problem solving. Flight experience does not alter this age-related decline, with the possible exception of the metacognitive skill of time sharing. Age-group differences in flight performance are most evident in the secondary task of air traffic control communications. Age-related differences in current measures of pilot cognition are minimally predictive of primary measures of flight performance (flight simulation and accident rates). A model of cognition and flight performance is proposed involving higher order factors that tap into pilot knowledge structure, including mental workload and workload management, mental models, and situation awareness.