Is 60 Too Old?
Currently, if you are a pilot for any commercial airline service you must retire upon reaching your 60th birthday. There have been ongoing debates for years as to whether or not this should be raised, or even done away with altogether. By next month the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the international body that helps to guide the aviation industry, is expected to approve new guidelines that urge all countries to raise mandatory retirement ages from the current 60 to 65, provided that:
…the second pilot in the crew is below 60 and all pilots over 60 undergo a medical assessment every six months.
I think this is a wonderful idea. All United States certified airline pilots must already undergo a “First Class” medical evaluation every six months no matter what their age. I firmly believe that if you are able to meet all the physical requirements, and you still have the passion for flying, that you should be allowed to work and fly for as long as you want. In the aviation profession age brings with it experience. I, for one, would have no qualms about boarding an aircraft with a 65+ year old pilot, because I would know just how much experience he had under that gold-brimmed cap. So come on Congress, tell the FAA to raise the retirement age!
