Originally Posted by SleepyF18

The below is some background information on why the MEC feels as it does. I know most of you are very emotional on this issue, and that you may not be willing to accept this information at face value. That is up to you, my intent is to merely provide some background information on how this decision was made and show that there is no secret agenda.

1. ALPA has successfully defended the existing age 60 repeatedly since 1980.

2. Two seismic events have taken place in the last several months which are leading your union’s leadership to decide on a change in our position: (1) the President allowed foreign pilots over 60 to operate in U.S. airspace pursuant to ICAO policy, and (2) the announcement by the FAA of its intention to mirror ICAO policy and allow pilots to fly to 65. These two events essentially nullified ALPA’s position arguably based on safety concerns.

3. Senators Inouye, Salazar, Lieberman, Feingold, and Representative Rangel who have traditionally supported ALPA’s opposition to changing the age 60 rule now support a change. Senate Bill S. 65, which would change the law, now has 25 sponsors, and House Resolution H.R. 1125, which would do the same thing, has over 70 House sponsors. Additionally, senators and House representatives who now support changing the law have come to view it as an age discrimination issue.

4. If ALPA is to minimize the impact of a change to age 60, a change we feel is imminent, we have to be players in the political environment in Washington. We currently are not; Congress and the FAA are telling us they will not discuss the issue with us until we change our position. The potential currently exists for contractual changes to become legislated, not negotiated.

5. We feel changing the venue of this issue to the NPRM process and away from the legislative process will afford the best opportunity for us to minimize downside implications of a change.



With regard to the prospective nature of pilots currently flying past age 60, a read of our contract may be in order. Specifically, under Section 2, the definition of Regulate Age states:



The age at which FARs do not permit a pilot to continue flying as a Captain or First Officer.



When you look at Section 22 you will find under paragraph B. Seniority Accrual and Application:

1. A pilot who has established seniority shall not lose his seniority except that a pilot shall forfeit all employment and seniority rights and his name shall be removed from the Master Seniority List under the following conditions:

a. Retirement.



If the regulated age changes to age 65, this MEC believes that under no circumstances should those pilots currently working past 60 be denied the right on any subsequent bid to exercise their seniority in accordance with their contract . To do otherwise compromises our integrity at its foundation and as such should not be a part of any resolution coming from our union.



This issue has the potential to undermine the unity of our membership ALPA-wide. We did not initiate this change; ICAO and the President’s decision to allow foreign pilots over age 60 to fly in the US did.

ALPA President Captain John Prater will be in Memphis on May 14 and May 15. This is a great opportunity for all pilots in the Memphis area to come out and ask questions. Refreshments will be served during both of these events. Please make plans to attend one of these road shows.

Monday, May 14
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
MEM Airport
* Conference Room A
* Security Checkpoint A
* Terminal A

Tuesday, May 15
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Germantown Centre
1801 Exeter Road
Germantown, TN




When you objectively evaluate these arguments, I trust you will agree that your MEC is doing the right thing. If you do not, please feel free to call your rep.



See you on the line.