RINGING IN THE OLDER, WISER
Apr 18, 2003
Author: Frances Fiorino

(Excerpt from Aviation Week & Technology "AIRLINE outlook" Edited by Frances Fiorino, October 26, 1998)

RINGING IN THE OLDER, WISER
In the two years since it raised the age limit of airline pilots from 60 to 63, no health problems have been reported among the post 60 group, according to Japan’s Ministry of Transport. As a result, it is considering following the U.K’s example and raising the maximum age for pilots to 65. Japan now has about 50 age 60-plus pilots flying for its three major carriers-Japan.
"pilots say they prefer to continue working"
Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Japan Air System – and their regional subsidiaries. The newly formed Skymark Airlines has employed 11 retired JAL and ANA pilots. Standard practice for the three majors is to retire pilots at age 60 and re-employ them at lower pay scales. Although their pay is cut 40-50%, the pilots say they prefer to continue working. Airlines like the arrangements; it cuts overhead while providing experienced pilots and avoiding the cost of training replacements. The average cost of pilot training, from recruit to captains, is about 300 million yen (.2 million) in Japan.

TIME TO USE IT.