Washington, D.C. – President Bush yesterday signed into law the Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act (H.R. 4343), legislation to eliminate the age 60 retirement requirement for commercial airline pilots and raise it to age 65.
The House and Senate both passed the bill earlier this week, and the change becomes effective immediately upon enactment.
“Finally some fairness for our most experienced pilots,” said U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-FL), Republican Leader on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and cosponsor of the legislation. “With enactment of this law, we’ve changed a half-century-old age discrimination rule that has left skilled veteran pilots at a disadvantage to international competitors.
“This law requires that these pilots continue to undergo rigorous medical reviews and receive up-to-date training. I commend the President for moving expeditiously to sign this long overdue measure into law,” Mica said.
“It makes very good sense to raise the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots,” said U.S. Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI), Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Republican and H.R. 4343 cosponsor.
“Modern medicine is extending the time that people can live active lives and be fully competent at their jobs. With the President’s signature on our bill, we are bringing our regulations in line with international standards, and we are lengthening the time that we can benefit from the knowledge of highly experienced pilots,” Petri said.
“Getting this legislation passed through both Houses and signed into law is a huge victory,” said U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes (R-NC), another cosponsor of the bill and the chief proponent of the retirement age fix in the House.
“I’ve been working with my colleagues to get this important bill signed into law for years. Pilots are valued for their experience, and keeping our most experienced pilots flying longer will enhance safety. Getting this legislation through was the right thing to do and provides an early, long overdue Christmas present for our quality pilots,” said Hayes.
The enactment of H.R. 4343 brings the United States into line with the standard adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in November 2006.
NOTE: This press release was originally issued by the Ranking Republican of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
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