Originally Posted by
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In addition, he indicated that there may be an option for pilots who are over 60 to continue to fly as FOs until they are 65. He mentioned that once over-flight rules were enforced by the ICAO states, then this may happen. I can't recall the exact date when it would be known. Therefore, this was reducing the need for pilots over the next 24 months.
Either John or I inadequately understand the legislation, or your recollection of what he said is flawed!
My (and my company's) interpretation of the new legislation is that, from November this year, 65 will become the default retirement age for pilots. For those currently on contracts to 55 (BA) or 60 (Virgin and most others), it will be up to them whether they wish to continue to 65 (already an option at Virgin, and has been for several years). Separately, but contemporaneously, international (ICAO) legislation will become binding this year that makes 65 the default retirement age for captains. Signatories to ICAO will be required to allow captains from other signatory countries to operate over their territory up to that age, even if their own national legislation mandates a lower limit (France, Italy, Portugal, USA). Consequently, Virgin and others are expecting commanders who reach the age of 60 from the end of this year to be able to continue in the LHS, and for older ex-captains to return to the LHS subject to simulator training. As this is a matter of legislation, company policy is irrelevant - BA captains
will be able to stay not only in the company, but in the LHS to age 65.
How this will affect BA's recruiting demands is as yet unclear, as they do not yet know how many of those contracted to 55 will actually leave at that point. There is an ongoing dispute between the BA pilot workforce and the company over pension provision which is clouding this particular issue. Until it is settled, BA's pilot requirement for 2007 can't be known for certain.
Scroggs