In November, 2006, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) revised the maximum age for certain pilots in international operations from age 60 to age 65.
During this time the buzz on the street, or taxiway, was about how this change would impact US airline pilots. This regulatory change came amongst much debate and scrutiny from both younger pilots and those approaching 60 years of age, who under the regulations at that time would soon to be forced to retire.
Some key points of contention from younger and older pilots were: career progression, return of retired pilots to active status, loss of pensions, age cap based on science rather than history, retention of experienced pilots, effect on future compensation changes.
Until 12/13/07, the United States, an ICAO member state, limited its pilots operating under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 121 to age 60. Now those pilots may continue until age 65, as specified in the Act. Ultimately the change came with modifications that address concerns from both sides. The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l. took a proactive approach to an imminent rule change to ensure the least negative impact on pilots while complying with ICAO regulatory changes.
Effective December 13, 2007, the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act allows both pilots on a domestic flight to be up to age 65. For international flights, one pilot may be up to age 65 provided the other pilot is under age 60, consistent with the November 2006 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standard.
Key provisions of the Act include the following:
• As of 12/13/07, part 121, § 121.383(c), specifying age 60, ceases to be effective.
• A pilot age 60+ acting as pilot in command (PIC) in international operations must be paired with a pilot under age 60 (consistent with the current ICAO requirement).
• In domestic operations both pilots may be age 60+.
• It permits the continued employment of a pilot who reaches age 60 on or after 12/13/07.
• It permits the employment as a new-hire a pilot who reached age 60 before 12/13/07.
• A pilot age 60+ will not be subjected to different, greater, or more frequent medical exams.
• Any pilot age 60+ must hold a first-class medical certificate, renewable on a 6-month cycle.
• Any air carrier employing pilots age 60+ must adjust its training program to ensure such pilots’ skill and judgment continue at acceptable levels.
• Any pilot age 60+ must undergo a line check at 6-month intervals.
• For a pilot age 60+ acting as second in command (SIC), a regularly scheduled simulator evaluation may substitute for a required line check.
Learn more now from the FAA publication on this rule change.