India stops licences to US pilots over 60

Mumbai: The civil aviation regulator has stopped issuing licences to American pilots who are above 60 years of age, to fly planes within India, in a move that could significantly impact domestic airlines that are already facing acute pilot shortages. The regulator, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), cited the current US rules that don’t allow pilots to fly after the age of 60 for its decision, even though the US has said it will change its rules within two years.
An Indian pilot is typically allowed to fly up to 65 years, subject to certain conditions.
“If America is not allowing a pilot to fly after the age of 60 in their country, how can I give a licence to these pilots to fly in India?” asks Kanu Gohain, director general of civil aviation, the regulator of civil aviation.
“At least, 30 applications for US pilots from various airlines are pending before the Indian regulator. At present, there are nearly 100 such pilots flying in India,” says a person familiar with the development, but who didn’t want to be identified.
This person said airline representatives are meeting with the ministry of civil aviation later this month to try and resolve the issue.
Gohain did admit that the Indian government is aware of the US regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) plans to change the rules. “We are waiting and watching FAA’s move. We will take a decision according to the US regulator,” he said.
A senior executive of one of India’s premium airlines said it was a matter of experience. “A pilot cannot be unfit to fly after 60,” he said. “We understand the safety is of paramount importance. But seniors bring in wealth of experience,” he added.
However, Indian pilots say there are double standards already at play.
“While Indian pilots above 60 are asked to do strict and ridiculous medical examinations, American pilots are not even asked to appear for any such tests,” claims a senior pilot who commands a widebody plane with a state-run airline.
11/10/07 P.R. Sanjai/Livemint