Thursday, November 05, 2009
GAO: Pilot age has no effect on aviation safety
The health conditions of commercial pilots 60 and older have no effect on aviation safety, according to a Government Accountability Office report released Oct. 30.
The report (.pdf file) reviewed the Federal Aviation Administration's accident and incident data and the National Transportation Safety Board's accident data from December 2007 through September 2009, in addition to evidence from a performance audit. Findings show health conditions among pilots 60 and older did not cause any airline accidents or incidents in the time period studied. The Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act, enacted in December 2007, extended the federal age standard for pilots of large commercial aircraft to 65 from 60. Researchers concluded a longer period of time and comparison between older and younger pilots would provide a more definitive assessment.