Not only have pilots left the industry in droves during the economic downturn, but changing the age 60 rule is not expected to do much to alleviate the current pilot shortage experienced by both major and regional airlines. Regional Airline Association President Roger Cohen reported that speakers during the RAA convention in Memphis indicate that should pilots continue past 60, it is only expected to be for only one or two years before they retire. Thus changing the rule is not going to be a panacea. Airlines also reported that the younger pilots entering the system adapt to the high-technology environment of the cockpit far better than those with far more hours in low-technology equipment. Despite a militant pilot corps anxious to recoup concessions, attendees indicated that there will be a further relaxation of the scope clause to around the 100-seat level. The industry will need 10,000 pilots annually with regionals hiring about 40 percent and low-cost carriers about 20 percent.
The Air Line Pilots Association, meanwhile, has pulled its support for current proposals for a change in the Age 60 rule. First, it wants to prevent pilots hired after the age of 60 from receiving credit for prior seniority or service. In addition, it wants liability protection for airlines and unions. It also opposes any additional age-related diagnostic medical testing as well as the ICAO provision that one pilot must be under 60.
"The Executive Board spoke clearly," said ALPA President, Capt. John Prater. "Any legislative or regulatory change needs to address ALPA's priorities in the areas of safety, medical standards, benefit issues, no retroactive application of change, liability protection, and appropriate rule implementation."