ICAO Change Goes Into Effect This Month
Pressure to change the age-60 rule
continues to mount... as an FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC)
met for the second time recently to discuss the possibility of
changing it. But does that mean those hoping to change the rule
will succeed?
Since 1959, pilots flying for commercial carriers have to retire
at age 60. But opposition to the rule has increased in recent
years. Later this month, a change to International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) rules will force the FAA to allow foreign
pilots up to the age of 65 to fly commercially in the US, as long
as another pilot in the cockpit is younger than 60.
That change comes after a study of 3000 pilots found the risk of
medical incapacitation for those over 60 is negligible.
Even pilot's unions -- historically status quo stalwarts --
might be cracking. With bankruptcy courts killing airline pension
plans, those extra five years of work are looking better all the
time.
"Clearly this is an issue that has wide-ranging implications for
both airlines and the pilot community," said Air Line Pilots
Association President Duane Woerth, who along with Air Transport
Association President and CEO James C. May serves as co-chair of
the committee.
As Aero-News reported, FAA
Administrator Marion Blakey agreed to convene the ARC in September,
after 30 airline veterans began an intense lobbying campaign on
Capitol Hill. Shortly after that, 12 senators sent Blakey a
letter showing their support for repealing the Age 60 rule.
"As cosponsors of S.65 (one of two bills, one Senate and one
House, currently before Congress on the issue --
Ed.) we have worked tirelessly this session
to provide the FAA with legislative guidance that would afford US
pilots the same right that you will be required to give foreign
pilots this fall," the lawmakers wrote. "We are hopeful that
Congress will pass this legislation prior to adjourning sine die
(on indefinite hold) this year."
In related news, this week in Germany three Lufthansa pilots
brought suit against their airline seeking to change the rule in
that country, saying the Age 60 rule is a form of
discrimination.
But those in the US seeking to change the rule fear their
efforts might be in vain... as eight of the 14 voting members
on the rule-making committee are said to oppose changing the
rule.