CAAP extends retirement age for commercial airline pilots

MANILA, Philippines - The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has extended the retirement age for commercial airline pilots on domestic operations from 65 to 67 for a two-year study period to address the decreasing number of pilots in the country.

CAAP deputy director general John Andrews said the CAAP decided to amend the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulation (PCAR) to allow experienced but overage pilots to fly Philippine-registered civil aircraft engaged in domestic commercial air transport provided that they are physically fit.

Under the amendment, any pilot beyond 65 years of age who holds license and valid medical certificates may be allowed to fly as pilot-in-command or co-pilot with a mandatory CAAP medical check-up every six months.

But if the pilot-in-command is above 65, his co-pilot must be under 60 years of age.

The study period is from June 30, 2014 to June 30, 2016.

Andrews raised concern that Filipino commercial pilots in the country are rapidly decreasing as some of them are applying at foreign airlines.

Becoming a licensed pilot, however, is very expensive as the flying course requires millions of pesos.

Jesus Garcia, a 62-year-old Philippine Airlines pilot-in-command, welcomes the move of the CAAP, saying that Filipino pilots are known worldwide as “good pilots.”

Andrews also noted that Filipino pilots are knowledgeable pilots because of their extensive training. They can easily maneuver the aircraft even through a thunderstorm.