I don't work for American, and therefore, they don't dictate the desires for those pilots who desire to fly beyond 60. In response to the statement that, pilots flying beyond age 60 is tantamount to an experiment in public transportation is a load of crap. Take a gander across the pond. So far there has not been one recorded incident involving any crewmember over the age of 60.

Bottom line… if the airman can pass his first class medical then let him continue to enjoy his or her livelihood. Pairing issues in Europe are such that there are no two airmen over the age of 60 in the cockpit at the same time.

If the mandatory retirement age is raised to age 65, each union has the right, by vote to keep the retirement age for their group to 60.

There is a financial consideration for those airlines that currently maintain defined benefit plans, by creating unfunded liabilities for those pilots who desire to work beyond 60.

Not every pilot wants to work beyond 60. In the long run do you really think it will delay the upgrade of F/Os to the left seat?