vagabond

This is yet another article from the Tacoma News Tribune discussing the issue, but of course, with commentary about the two Seattle-based airlines, Horizon and Alaska.


The career paths of thousands of commercial pilots changed last week as President Bush signed legislation that changes the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age from 60 to 65.
That change had been sought for several years by most but not all pilot unions.

The change means longer careers for pilots. And it could provide some small relief from what’s becoming a worldwide pilot shortage. The higher retirement ages will allow healthy pilots to continue their careers for five years longer in the United States, a significant benefit for pilots who’ve seen their salaries and retirement pay cut substantially in recent years because of airline bankruptcies.

The new law also allows airlines to take advantage of the expertise its senior pilots have developed during their years in the cockpit.

The new rule has one proviso designed to address what some say is the increased risk involved in allowing pilots to fly at a more advanced age.

That rule requires that one pilot on international flights be younger than 60. On domestic flights, both pilots can be 60 or older.

For younger pilots, the new rule is a mixed blessing. Fewer retiring pilots will mean a slower move up the seniority ladder. Seniority is important among pilots because it governs not only their compensation but their ability to pick monthly flying schedules that they prefer.

At the two SeaTac-based airlines, Alaska and Horizon, the effects will not be large next year. Of Horizon’s 700 pilots, 14 will turn 60 next year, said spokesman Mike Rose. At Alaska, about 50 of 1,500 will pass that mark, said spokeswoman Amanda Tobin-Bielawski.

Alaska’s labor contracts allow pilots to retire at 60, said Air Line Pilots Association spokeswoman Jen Farrell.
Neither the union nor Alaska knows yet how many of the 60-year-olds will choose to retire and how many will elect to continue their careers.

The measure was supported by Dallas-based Southwest Airlines and the union that represents its pilots. It was opposed by American Airlines, based in Fort Worth, and its pilots union.

“We supported our pilots’ position on this, but Congress has spoken, and we’ll comply with the law,” said Jeff Brundage, American’s senior vice president of human resources. He said the airline has been evaluating the implications of the change, and that “we don’t see that it will cause any immediate upheaval.”

Lloyd Hill, president of the Allied Pilots Association, which represents American’s pilots, sent a letter to Bush last week asking for a veto.

“Mandatory age 60 retirement for our nation’s commercial airline pilots has proven to be a highly effective safety regulation since its establishment in 1959,” he wrote. He said that the union’s members had opposed the change by a 7-1 margin.

Southwest’s pilots praised the bill’s passage.

“Experience counts,” said Carl Kuwitzky, a Southwest pilot and president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association.

“This legislation will enhance safety by ensuring that we keep our most experienced pilots flying longer.”


http://www.thenewstribune.com/busine...ry/232502.html