Pilotman52 From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 54 posts, RR: 0 Posted (9 years 4 months 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 1379 times:
Hello,
After reading this month's "Flying" magazine, the retirement of airline pilots at the age of 60 (at least in the US, not sure about anywhere else) was brought up. I was just wondering if anyone thinks/knows if that age could be pushed up in the future? I'm just saying that because with all the medical advancements and pilots not wanting to retire, it seems as if there is a lot of pressure on the government, or whoever makes up those rules/regulations (FAA?). Any comments? Thank you!
Usnseallt82 From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 4891 posts, RR: 55 Reply 1, posted (9 years 4 months 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 1359 times:
Well, 60 seems ripe to me, but I've got a long way's to go on that one. I'd vote for any increase in the regulation age because whenever my eyesight takes a crap, whether 60 or 40, I'll be sure to pull my own happy ass off the flight deck.
However, until then, I'm all in favor of letting those capable fly as long as possible, regardless of age. It should be relative to the individual, based on medical exams and personal desire.
Flyboyaz From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 3, posted (9 years 4 months 1 day ago) and read 1268 times:
I can understand the age restriction, but I do think 60 is a tad bit too young. I've seen many pilots that just retired and they were very sharp and knew their stuff! I would say it should be bumped up to about 65.
Bucky707 From United States of America, joined Aug 2000, 1028 posts, RR: 4 Reply 4, posted (9 years 4 months 1 day ago) and read 1239 times:
just my opinion, a biased on to be sure, but can a 61 year old fly as well as a 45 year old? Probably, when they are well rested, well fed and have had a chance to maintain their health. The problem is that is not realistic in the airline world anymore. Pilots are flying more and more, layovers are getting shorter, days longer, hotels cheaper. At the end of a four day trip, I am exausted, and I am in my early 40's. The captains I fly with look worse at the end of a trip. Realistically, if the working conditions keep degrading, they should probably lower the age.
SlamClick From United States of America, joined Nov 2003, 10062 posts, RR: 71 Reply 5, posted (9 years 4 months 23 hours ago) and read 1234 times:
The "age sixty rule" was upheld by the US Supreme Court in about 1996 or so. They decided that it was justified age discrimination because of the danger of "subtle mental incapacitation."
Does anyone have the ages of the justices who made that ruling, while exempting themselves.
Happiness is not seeing another trite Ste. Maarten photo all week long.
Celticmanx From Netherlands, joined Mar 2001, 99 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (9 years 4 months 23 hours ago) and read 1198 times:
I just want to add something.
Regardless of the physical and mental condition of the pilot at 60. If there wasn't such a rule, a lot of young, not very experienced pilots would be forever in the queue waiting for a job position.
Don't get me wrong!!!
I understand there are people who reach the 60's and are as sharp as when they were 30 or 40 y.o. I even know a guy who is 66 and stand 45 minutes on the pitch playing football (or the so called soccer if you wish) with our team, where most of us are in the mid 20's. So I believe that 60's could be quite restrictive for certain individuals, but at the same time helps to maintain a fair replacement pattern.
BMAbound From Sweden, joined Nov 2003, 660 posts, RR: 5 Reply 8, posted (9 years 4 months 23 hours ago) and read 1160 times:
My 66 year old CFII starts every day with a 6 mile run and h-ll, he has more energy than I do! He has had a First Class medical since the beginning of time and I am 110 % he would do well as a airline pilot.
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