As noted in the previous post, Gibson opposes the 'Age 60 rule.' TV station KHOU in Houston quotes him:
"It's funny I can race in the Reno air races at 60 feet off the ground with eight other airplanes going 435 miles an hour, but I can't fly an airliner anymore. But that's the way the rules work. And that's the way it is'" said Captain Robert "Hoot" Gibson.Gibson supports changing the mandatory retirement age for airline pilots from 60 to 65, but not all pilots agree with him.
Also from KHOU:
Opponents say the issue is safety. They worry the older a pilot gets the better the chance gets they could have a health emergency like a heart attack and become incapacitated during flight.Pilots also know that it's not just a question of safety. There are economic arguments on both sides of the issue as well. Junior pilots want the 'old guys' to retire so that the younger ones can move on up in the seniority system and earn more money. Older pilots want to continue earning a paycheck until they're eligible to collect their pensions -- what pensions they have left to look forward to after so many cuts at so many carriers.
The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) represents Continental's 4,800 pilots.
A majority of them don't want the retirement age increased without a debate.
"Unless it's demonstrated that pilots between age 60 and 65 are as healthy or healthier than the people who are younger then ALPA is not ready to change their position," said Capt. Dave Earnest, Chairman, Air Line Pilots Association.
"Well, let's turn it around. Prove it isn't as safe. There has never been an aviation accident related to age," said Gibson.
Gibson said that's all the more reason to keep experienced flyers in the air.
For more information and news stories about this topic, visit the Pilot Age Limits page on the AircrewHealth.com website.
Source: Pilots divided over FAA's mandatory retirement age - KHOU.com
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