Age 60 Aviation Rulemaking Committee

OST-2006-26139

On Filed at Federal Register October 24, 2006

Request for Comments | Published in Federal Register October 25, 2006

In November 2006, the International Civil Aviation Organization will adopt Amendment 167 to increase the "upper age limit" for airline pilots up to age 65 provided another crewmember pilot is under age 60. The Age 60 ARC provides a forum for the U.S. aviation community to discuss the new ICAO standard, make recommendations as to whether the United States should adopt that standard, and determine what actions would be necessary if FAA were to change the regulation to meet the new ICAO standard. As part of the ARC's review and recommendation, it and the FAA are soliciting comments from the public on whether the FAA should adopt the ICAO standard and any issues surrounding adopting or not adopting the standard.

Send your comments on or before November 15, 2006.

By: James Fraser, Acting Federal Air Surgeon

November 2, 2006

Comments of jetBlue

JetBlue Airways supports the immediate repeal of the age 60 retirement rule. If this takes place, JetBlue intends to offer a return to active flying to all retired pilots who are still medically qualified, and are below the age of 65. Retraining will be provided. Since flying with an under-60 pilot is required, the crew scheduling software will have to be modified to assure full compliance with any new regulatory regime.

By: jetBlue, Robert Land

November 15, 2006

Joint Comments of Northwest Airlines and Northwest ALPA

Northwest and Northwest ALPA are opposed to making any changes to the age 60 rule at this time. The current age 60 rule has been in place for nearly 50 years, and has served safety and the public interest well. The FAA has been called upon repeatedly to revisit the issue - and in each case declined to change the age 60 rule. Now, suddenly in response to a change in the ICAO standards this November, FAA is considering abandoning its longstanding age 60 regulation, and instead following ICAO's age 65/60 rule. As FAA is well aware, ICAO provides minimum baseline standards that international carriers must meet to gain reciprocal access to the navigable airspace of other countries. The FAA can and does impose more stringent safety standards for U.S. carriers.

Counsel: Northwest, Alexander Van der Bellen, 202-842-4184

November 15, 2006

Comments of the Alaska Air Carriers Association

Similar to situations found in the Lower 48 states, members of AACA continue to experience the effects of a nationwide pilot shortage. Companies are being forced to terminate their most experienced and capable pilots based solely upon age. This alarming situation has dire safety consequences as the current pilot pool experience level becomes increasingly diluted. Keeping experienced pilots flying is an important issue for Alaskan air carriers operating in remote locations in inclement conditions.

It’s time for the Federal Aviation Administration to take a powerful step toward aviation safety. Keep our pilots with the most experience and knowledge in the flight deck, where they can share their wealth of knowledge with less-experienced pilots.

By: Karen Casanovas

November 29, 2006

Age 60 Aviation Rulemaking Committee Report - Bookmarked

Word (Report Only - No Appendices)

On behalf of the Age 60 Aviation Rulemaking Committee, we are pleased to provide you with a copy of the ARC's report, which was written to fulfill the initial tasking of September 27, 2006. This report is a summary of industry views on whether to adopt the new ICAO standard, and issues associated with the implementation of such a change.

We recognized from the start that the "age 60" issue is a contentious one for our industry with key stakeholder groups firmly entrenched in opposing positions. Our report includes compelling arguments from both sides and Age 60 ARC members are prepared to present their findings in person should you so desire.

By: ATA and ALPA, James May and Duane Woerth