The International Civil Air Organization (ICAO) recently published on their website the proposed Commercial Air Transport (CAT) medical standards review and Flight Time and Duty Period Limits (FTL) for pilots over age 65.

These new standards were introduced at the follow-on international ICAO/EASA Pilots’ Age Limit Increase Workshop was held on May 7, 2019.

The meetings had more than 60 participants with more than 25 nationalities represented. Key participants and sponsors included the ICAO, the IATA, the European Union's EASA, the U.S. FAA, China CAA, Japan CAA, New Zealand CAA; as well as leaders from other countries.


· An increase in the pilot age limit above 65 for multi pilot CAT operations; however, pilots flying over age 65 will require additional risk-mitigation measures (aeromedical testing). These measures will likely include testing to support an aeromedical decision on the applicant’s fitness on an individual basis, which must be imposed. These measures could include an ophthalmologist examination, auditory or hearing testing, cardiovascular/lipid testing (bloodwork), and cognitive testing (additional checkride) for those pilots who conduct CAT flying over age 65 (for U.S. pilots these tests will be conducted in addition to FAA Class I certificate requirements).

· A reduction of the maximum monthly/yearly FTL to 80% of the maximum allowed for pilots over 65 performing CAT multi pilot operations (see presentation).

At the October meeting the parties will consider a final resolution to include (see presentation):

· Development of options based on the feedback from the Workshop and Medical Examiner Group (MEG), etc.

· The parties will work closely with ICAO and the International Authorities on the future steps to (simultaneously) coordinate (worldwide) actions.

· EASA high-level decision - Impact assessment will be consulted with EASA Advisory Bodies.

· Further feedback from the advisory bodies on the way forward.
In conclusion, I have been told by a top ranking official directly responsible for the new medical standards and regulations that a final decision has not yet been made. However, a Working Group representative told me it is expected that the final high-level decision following consultation and the final regulatory activities in congruence with the decision is expected to be completed with new/older mandatory retirement age to be implemented by the end of 2019 or early 2020.

These new standards and regulations will authorize CAT multi engine pilots to be permitted to fly over 65 most likely to age 68.

To access the ICAO's website to read their CAT pilot retirement age limit information click https://www.icao.int/safety/aviation...%20Study_c.pdf.

Slides 30, 31, & 32 discuss the conclusions and the way forward.

To final action that has mov3d regulators forward to change the mandatory age requirement was the industry's revelation that both the Lions Air and Ethiopian Airlines accidents could have been prevented, by having more experienced pilots in the cockpits. These accidents were the final catalyst for an international regulatory decision to increase the mandatory CAT pilot retirement age above 65 -- due to a worldwide shortage of qualified pilots.