It is amazing how many posters are worked up about the age extension from 60 to 65 because they are under the illusion that it will hold them back. Did they not bother to find out the reasons for the extension? Wise men find out the facts before forming their opinions; fools jump to conclusions!
Some years ago the worldwide aviation industry and ICAO established that for various reasons there would be a future long term shortage of pilots. They took two actions to try and reduce this looming problem. First, they introduced the Multi-Crew Pilot Licence. Second, they extended the age 60 limit to age 65. Two or three years ago we saw this shortage beginning to become a problem, but it has been temporarily reduced by the current economic recession.
There is still a projected future long term shortfall in pilot numbers. This in turn will have two outcomes for pilots: first, no competent and healthy pilot should be held back for long if at all because of low demand for pilots. (If he works for a poorly managed airline that is unable to compete then he will indeed suffer but that has nothing to do with age limits or forced retirement.) Second, it is likely that the current age 65 limit will be extended to age 70. This is already being considered. It is being held back by the recession, which has caused a temporary drop in demand for pilots, and to allow the extension to age 65 to show that there are no inherent problems with extending the age limit for pilots who meet the recurring competency and medical checks.
Note that when the extension to age 70 comes in pilots will not be forced to keep flying to age 70, just as they are not currently forced to keep flying to age 65 or were not formerly forced to keep working to age 60. Those who want to retire early are permitted to do so. Their early retirement will be welcomed by those who continue in the industry as it will increase the shortfall and help in the long term to increase pilot wages and benefits. Note also that countries with advanced human rights have no age limit for pilots. In such countries pilots may continue to fly commercially for as long as they are able to meet the recurring competency and medical checks. That is as it should be.
There are no arbitrary age limits for forced retirement in most other occupations, such as car mechanic, aircraft maintenance engineer, MP, baker, salesman, accountant, bus driver, etc., so it is impertinent to impose arbitrary forced retirement limits on pilots. Those pilots who support and have to resort to the use of such artificial barriers for their own benefit obviously lack confidence in their own capabilities and in their ability to compete in a competitive job market!
Last edited by Carrier; 15th Sep 2009 at 15:00.
Reason: correction