Originally Posted by
rickair7777
Not true. The only possible issue would have been if the US refused entry to foreign airliners flown by over-age pilots. But as an ICAO member, we agree to honor the certification and many operating rules of foreign airlines...this allowed age 60+ pilots to fly to/from the US before we changed the law.
Understandably, this would tick off some US pilots
It also meant that the age 65 issue went from a safety issue the FAA could fight and win in court to a straight age discrimination issue they could never win. If its safe for pilots over 60 to fly in the US from international airlines then its safe for US pilots. Once ICAO changed to 65 the rule was going to change in the US and change quick. ALPA among other realized this and was able to at least shape the implimentation of age 65 with the key point be not allowing over 60 pilots to return. That issue was almost lost and would have really been a mess.