Freighter Captain

HOW TO EASE THE AGE LIMIT
Aviation Week & Space Technology
08/22/2005, page 8

Fleet Smith
Campbellsburg, Ky.

Cognitive abilities and commanding a transport airliner are individualized traits. An arbitrary age limit seems out of step with scientific research on aging and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines, as mentioned by Capt. Al Spain in his Viewpoint (AW&ST Aug. 8, p. 66).

That said, as a fairly senior Boeing 767 captain who will retire in less than seven years, I find it disingenuous that those my age who benefited from the Age 60 Rule now wish to change it overnight. All those flying airliners today knew the rules when they received their airline seniority numbers, and have advanced in seniority as those above us attained age 60.

While the current economic turmoil has affected many pension plans, that is not the problem of the thousands of young furloughed pilots. Raising the age limit would only extend the furloughs of these young pilots, and cause further deterioration of their piloting skills due to inactivity. As a former Braniff pilot I am sympathetic to those with pension problems, yet did we not learn anything from Braniff, Pan Am and Eastern?

Defined benefit pension plans are a gamble, and have been for many years. The only sure retirement is the money you save yourself. Most retiring pilots with Part 121 carriers have made good livings for many years; let's move over and let younger pilots have their chances. Even with a reduced retirement, I imagine most retired pilots will have a higher standard of living than a junior first officer, not to mention the furloughed first officer.

I propose the Age 60 Rule be raised, but incrementally. The age limit should be raised one month per year for the next 60 years, giving us an age limit of 65 in the year 2065. No senior captains will be enriched unjustly by a sudden rule change, and no junior first officers will be penalized in career advancement.

8out

What an excellent idea! It would be unjust to change the rules midstream.

Remember, any age is arbitrary no matter what is chosen.

Changing the rule overnight is nothing but greed. If I was 59 what a treat it would be to have the best of all seniority has to offer. You would enjoy the best line, pay, vacation bidding, training bidding, pairing selection etc. Oh yea and you get to fly with your favorite captain all of the time .

Any rule change should be on the merits of the idea. The change should not be based on greed.

The idea of reaching mandatory retirement by age 65 by 2065 only affects those who are entering the field of aviation. What a great idea.