New Age 65 Into Law

[Denny of Oakland]

FAA - Information for Operators (InFO)

An InFO contains valuable information for operators that should help them meet certain administrative, regulatory, or operational requirements with relatively low urgency or impact on safety.

Subject: President Today Signed Age 65 Into Law, Affecting Pilots Under Part 121

Purpose: This InFO announces the “Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act” (the Act), effective immediately, December 13, 2007, and highlights key provisions of the Act.

Background: 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. 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.

Discussion: 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.

Recommended Action: Directors of safety, directors of operations, chief pilots, trainers, and pilots under part 121 should be aware of the Act and should collaborate immediately in implementing its provisions.
The exact language of the Act can be downloaded at the following public Web site: THOMAS (Library of Congress). In the “Search Bill Text” box click on “Bill Number,” enter “HR 4343” and click Search.

[bluesideup]

Too bad the administrator was to gutless to act on this in a timely way more than a year ago when ICAO made it law. If she had done that I would still have a job here in the states instead of having to travel half way around the world to the filthy heathen country I am forced to work in.
I am very happy for all who will benifit from the change, no thanks to the FAA. Present company excluded of course because I know well Denny you don't make the rules.

[Denny of Oakland]

You are right I don't make the rules, but sure wish I could (just for one day). I started a letter writing program many years ago about this stupid rule. There is quite of history of why the 60-year was picked to help a certain airline, but that is water under the bridge as many know. At least it changed, but it should of went futher in my opinion.

[bluesideup]

You're right. We have another arbitrary age limit. At least it's a bit higher. Personally I think this will satisfy a lot of pilots for a long time. Still it's artificial and should be based only on proficiency and health.