Congress, Pilots Celebrate Passage of Law to Increase Aviation Safety

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Congress and commercial airline pilots will come together tomorrow to celebrate the enactment of legislation that will increase aviation safety by changing federal rules that prematurely force our safest pilots to retire. The legislation also treats our pilots with equity in the wake of the 2006 ICAO age change to the new world standard of age 65. The event will be held Tuesday, December 18 at 2 pm in 2253 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

                                   Summary
       HR 4343 -- the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act of 2007

H.R. 4343 requires the FAA to sunset the current age 60 rule and raises airline pilot retirement age to 65 immediately upon the President's signature. The legislation;

    -- Requires ICAO split cockpit restriction (one pilot under 60 if one is
       over 60) for International flights, but not for domestic flights; split
       cockpit provision automatically sunsets if ICAO changes its rule.
    -- Allows pilots over 60 to be employed as new hires without credit for
       prior seniority or benefits prior to the date of rehire; does not
       permit pilots over 60 to return to previous positions with seniority or
       benefits unless they are still employed as a flight deck officer.
    -- Contains liability protection for airlines and unions from and
       employment-related lawsuits that might arise from implementation.
    -- Permits legacy carriers and their unions to work out any
       inconsistencies in their pension plans that might arise from the new
       age.
    -- Includes safety provisions that would require all first officers over
       60 to have a first class medical and may require some first officers
       over the age of 60 to have an additional line check or simulator check.
    -- Requires GAO to do a study on the safety impact of the new age limit
       within 24 months.

    Contact:  Scott Brenner               202-222-8825