Klako said:Thirty-five years ago, when I first started flying for a living, an old Western Airlines captain assured me that the age 60 rule would eventually be abolished before it would affect me. I would have never guessed that it could still be around in 2006.
Understandably, junior pilots are worried that changing the age 60 rule would cause promotional stagnation. What junior pilots need to understand is that, if they haven't realized it yet, promotions today---yesterday---and forever are related to growth--not attrition. Most pilots remember the mid 80's thru the 90's when a hiring frenzy produced five year upgrades to captain. That wasn't because a lot of older pilots were leaving the property.
I have an answer to all the younger pilots out there who fear that a change to the age 60 rule would be unfair to them by slowing upgrades and causing seniority list stagnation. I say then, make it mandatory for all pilots to retire after serving no more than 20 years with a company or age 65 whichever comes first. If you hire on with a company at age 25, then you are kicked out of the cockpit when you turn age 45 or if you hire on at 45, you retire at 65. That would be equally fair for all and give everyone just enough time to build their 401K.
It is unfortunate, but the sad truth is that policies are economically driven in this country regardless of righteousness. I am comfortable enough to say that if congress mandates the FAA to change the rule, the implementation process from the FAA will not be satisfactory to all pilots.
Your proposition while well intended does not mitigate age discrimination. To force an individual to retire at certain age almost penalize those fortunate enough to attain his desired career at an early age.