IATA is to propose to the upcoming ICAO Assembly an increased in the upper age limit for multi-pilot commercial flying, from 65 to 67 years.
The working paper submitted to the Assembly states that ICAO raised the age limit from 60 to 65 in 2006, but that medical studies over the past two decades support a further extension.
“This change should follow a similar approach to that which was successfully applied in 2006 and implemented within a framework of additional safety assurance measures,” it says.
It points out that aviation industry growth has resulted in a global demand for pilots that outstrips supply.
Deferring the compulsory retirement age is a “cautious but reasonable step” which facilitates commercial air transport operations while maintaining safety, the paper argues.
It proposes several accompanying safety measures to support such a decision, including a system of standardised data collection on medical status and health-related performance across all pilot age groups.
IATA also recommends provision of aviation-related health promotional material, identification of screening strategies to safeguard health and performance, and a review of guidance material for medical examinations.
The ICAO Assembly convenes in September.
World Health Organization data indicates improvements in overall population health, and flight crews are “healthier in general”, says the IATA paper.
It claims that, although disease conditions become more common with age, there is ”no evidence” of increased medical safety events in data from in-flight pilot incapacitation.
IATA adds that mental health conditions and substance use are the ”leading concerns” for future risk of medical-medical-related fatal accidents, and that these tend to be associated with younger individuals.
