House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster failed in his bid to privatize ATC, but pilots for fractional giant NetJets say the Pennsylvania lawmaker has another trick up his sleeve: mandatory age 65 retirement for certain Part 135 charter and Part 91K fractional pilots, written into the FAA reauthorization bill now before Congress. Pilots claim the new demand came after a specific request by NetJets management.
NetJets Pilots Cry Foul over Age 65 Retirement Rule
Key Takeaways:
- A proposed amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Act (HR 4) would mandate age 65 retirement for specific Part 135 and 91K fractional pilots, uniquely affecting NetJets due to its current wording.
- NetJets pilots and AARP allege this provision, allegedly requested by NetJets management, is a cost-cutting tactic to replace older, higher-paid pilots, rather than a safety concern, despite pilots undergoing regular medical exams.
- Critics warn the amendment could displace hundreds of experienced pilots, potentially spread to other business aviation operations, and exacerbate the industry's growing pilot shortage.
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