Maximum (realistic) pilot age China

[RealQuax]

Hi,

I am turning 59 in a few weeks and recently acquired my medical for Sichuan airlines. The doctor who cleared me said something like “a Chinese medical for only one year” hinting to my age.
This rings some bells: Is there experience here what happens when I turn 60? In the ATPL-check I remember a question stating that beyond 60 there is no international flying anymore. But is there some other limitation?

Some informed advice is highly welcome, since I would have to make up my mind whether I stay where I am now or not...

Thanks, Realquax

[Switchbait]

The day you turn 60 will be your last day, from what I have witnessed.

[volare_737]

Did China not just increase the max age for flying to 63 ?

[Switchbait]

Yes they did, so theoretically it’s possible. But so far, to my knowledge, there hasn’t been anyone signed out after their 60th birthday.....

The doctors just won’t take the risk.

[Fareastdriver]

Times have changed.

I had to get a Chinese ATPL(H) when they brought in the requirement around 2006. I did the exams and the medical and I got mine aged 66. My contract came to an end in November 2008 which was three months before my 69th birthday.

I was well on the way for a simulator job a couple of years later but I was stymied by age for that.

[5Y744]

More BS, 63 going to 65 (soon)

[WYOMINGPILOT]

You have Zero chance of going into a flying job past age 60. A few airlines have allowed their Chinese Captains to be First Officers for a few years but no ExPats are allowed beyond age 60. Most airlines will not interview you beyond age 55. There is not a CAAC Doc in all of China willing to take the risk of signing off a Foreign Captain medical beyond age 60.

[Superpilot]

Err guys, despite all the above, the bottom line is that Sichuan and the CAAC have accepted his application to apply for the job and have faciliated him attending the medical. They wouldn't do it knowing there was a medical age limit pitfall down the line. The Doctors come up with all sorts of crap as we know.

[Switchbait]

Superpilot,
yeah no problem now because he is under 60.

Unfortunately, I would expect that once he turns 60, neither the Sichuan company doctors nor the regional CAAC doctors will sign off his medical.

This is just from I’ve seen so far here

[joe falchetto 64]

Superpilot,
yeah no problem now because he is under 60.

Unfortunately, I would expect that once he turns 60, neither the Sichuan company doctors nor the regional CAAC doctors will sign off his medical.

This is just from I’ve seen so far here
Actually Sichuan Airlines has requested to employ foreign captains till age 63, and CAAC SOUTH WEST has granted it as for current CCAR 121 R5. There is at least one captain, previously employed by the same airline, who has signed a renewal till 63. What will happen with the doctors at the next medical renewal, time will tell.

[Switchbait]

​​Thanks Joe, that’s good to know.

[volare_737]

I am talking to an agency in China and the confirm exactly what Joe falchetto 64 is saying

Actually Sichuan Airlines has requested to employ foreign captains till age 63, and CAAC SOUTH WEST has granted it as for current CCAR 121 R5. There is at least one captain, previously employed by the same airline, who has signed a renewal till 63. What will happen with the doctors at the next medical renewal, time will tell.

Once again if the pass the medical is another story !!!!

[Suvarnabhumi]

Is the Sichuan expat Captain who is over 60 a long serving, well liked , trusted operator, with a long medical history at Sichuan CAAC medical dept ?

Is he flying over 60 as real PIC or '2nd Captain' ? :)

Be wary of agents spin.

For new foreigners over 60 doing medicals in China prepare yourselves for a whole new world of hurt ;))