- In an effort to prolong his flying career, Bo Ellis, an Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) member for almost 40 years, is running a campaign against the organization. Since no safety body has looked into the ramifications, ALPA and other pilot unions oppose a plan in the US Congress that would raise the retirement age for commercial airline pilots from 65 to 67, claiming it will “introduce new risk” into the aviation industry. The Regional Airline Association (RAA) estimates that the legislation will provide 5,000 pilots like Ellis the opportunity to continue working for the next two years.
- By adding two years to the age restriction, pilot retirement would also coincide with the federal minimum retirement age, enabling them to obtain full social security payments. U.S. carrier Ellis, a head pilot, claimed ALPA was “politicizing” safety and that senior pilots are “by far much safer” because of their expertise. In order to advocate for the legislation, he has contacted more than 200 politicians and co-founded a coalition of thousands of pilots from airlines such as Delta (DAL.N), United (UAL.O), American (AAL.O), and Southwest Airlines (LUV.N).
- ALPA released a statement stating that it “carefully” studied and that its elected representatives voted “unanimously” in favor of reiterating their objection to a “arbitrary change” in the retirement age last October. Pilots are being surveyed on the matter by the union’s unit at United Airlines for the first time in sixteen years. The bill can help reduce personnel gaps at airlines that have resulted in a drop in flight service to more than 300 U.S. airports. It was approved by the House of Representatives last month and is anticipated to be taken up by the U.S. Senate in September.
- Every six months, all airline pilots must pass medical exams, and those over 40 must have an annual ECG heart examination. To guarantee competency, all pilots undergo routine skill evaluations in flight simulators. Supporters of the bill claim that a greater knowledge of pilot incapacitation has resulted from advances in medical research. They cite Australia, Canada, and Japan as examples of nations with either higher or no age restrictions for pilots.
- Some senior pilots desire to continue flying longer in order to receive pay raises, as they suffered financial setbacks due to the 2020–2021 coronavirus pandemic and multiple airline bankruptcies. Union officials were accused of caving down to the demands of junior pilots, who outnumber older aviators and worry that a later retirement age may impede their ability to advance in their careers. The Age Liability Process, according to ALPA, is the outcome of a “democratic process” and represents “the will” of its members.
- Airlines are divided, just like pilots. In agreement with the International Air Transport Association and the RAA, as well as other international airline trade groups, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle stated that pilots ought to be permitted to fly if they pass their medical examinations. According to Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, increasing the retirement age won’t end the pilot problem.
Source:
Reuters
