9 pilots grounded for flying after retirement

Mumbai: After cracking the whip on pilots with fake flying licences, the aviation watchdog, last week, grounded nine pilots who were operating commercial flights despite crossing the retirement age of 65 years. The incident came to light during surprise checks conducted by the Directorate General of Civil
Aviation (DGCA) in Mumbai in the past two weeks.
According to the Aircraft Act 1937, pilots aged above 65 years can only be hobby fliers. “It is a serious safety violation. We will take strict action against pilots and airlines violating the rule,” said Bharat Bhushan, director general, DGCA.
Eight of the nine pilots caught flying past their retirement age were working with private commercial airlines while one was employed with a city-based private charter company.
Air safety experts said airlines have been blatantly violating this rule because there is a shortage of senior pilots.
22/03/11 Soubhik Mitra/Hindustan Times