AA767AV8TOR
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2006
- Posts
- 258
Today the full House T&I Committee passed H.R. 2881, the FAA reauthorization bill, containing a provision that would raise airline pilot retirement age to 65. The language included in the bill is more complex and differs from the approach taken by S.65 (and S. 1300) in several ways. The bill addresses issues raised by ALPA and satisfies concerns about those issues as expressed by SWAPA, Rep. Hayes and other cosponsors of H.R. 1125. The language would require FAA to implement the new retirement standard immediately upon enactment. It would not require the ICAO pairing standard for pilots over 60 flying domestically but would enforce the pairing standard on international flights. The bill would automatically sunset the pairings on international flights if ICAO changes that standard. It contains a strong liability provision and would implement the new age standard prospectively. It prohibits reinstatement with seniority and benefits but would allow (not mandate) flight engineers still on their respective properties to return with seniority. It would permit 60+ pilots to become new hires without seniority benefits. It contains collective bargaining language that would allow companies and unions to work out compliance issues regarding pensions and benefits. It does not contain the Akaka Amendment or any other ERISA/pension provisions. The legislation requires all 60+ pilots to obtain a first class medical certificate but would prohibit FAA from establishing any additional medical exams for pilots over 60 unless the Secretary of Transportation can show new published studies that may warrant additional testing. The Bill contains Safety language insisted on by Mr. Oberstar that would require pilots over 60 to have two line checks per year. First officers who have had a simulator check within 6 months would only need one line check per year. Like S.65 it requires GAO to issue a report on the impact of this provision on aviation safety within 24 months. The legislation is expected to move to the House floor sometime in July, however, tax provisions still need to be addressed by the House Ways and Means Committee. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to take up the tax provisions in their FAA proposal on July 12. If H.R. 2881 is passed by the House then differences with the Senate language would have to be reconciled before taking it up in their FAA package or in any other legislative vehicle. Serious issues remain on the base bill regarding the NATCA contract, user fees etc. This is, however, a very positive move down the playing field for the Age 65 issue.
There were 2 amendments accepted to the FAA bill introduced yesterday, one by Mr. Costello adding language to force retroactive consideration of the NATCA contract was accepted 53 - 16. An amendment offered by chairman Oberstar to allow FedEx trucking employees to organize locally was adopted 51 - 18, one voting present. The Base bill passed by voice vote.
There were 2 amendments accepted to the FAA bill introduced yesterday, one by Mr. Costello adding language to force retroactive consideration of the NATCA contract was accepted 53 - 16. An amendment offered by chairman Oberstar to allow FedEx trucking employees to organize locally was adopted 51 - 18, one voting present. The Base bill passed by voice vote.
TC
