[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 192 (Friday, December 14, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S15619-S15620]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               FAIR TREATMENT FOR EXPERIENCED PILOTS ACT

  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to thank 
Congress for finally raising the mandatory retirement age for 
commercial airline pilots from age 60 to age 65. This language was 
included as part of the ``Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act,'' 
and allows our most experienced commercial pilots to continue providing 
safe air transportation for the Nation. The House approved the bill 
unanimously.
  Since 1960, the FAA ``Age 60 Rule'' has restricted pilots age 60 and 
older from serving on any commercial flight operations. Under the rule, 
it is estimated that our aviation system lost 50 pilots every week.
  Many in the aviation community, the FAA, and now Congress, have 
reacted to the realization that the Age 60 Rule has become outdated and 
discriminatory against one of Alaska's greatest resources, its 
experienced and seasoned pilots.
  As my colleagues in the Senate know, the State of Alaska depends on 
aviation more than any other State. In our State we find that 50 
percent of the commercial pilots are over 55.
  The lack of highway infrastructure creates a situation where aviation 
serves as the traditional road system. More than 70 percent of our 
communities can only be reached year around by air, making aircraft 
essential for personal, commercial, cargo, and mail transportation to 
most parts of our State. Having experienced pilots to deliver goods and 
services to our communities is essential for Alaskans.
  Many of our pilots contacted me and told me how the Age 60 Rule was 
impacting them.

[[Page S15620]]

  In fact, on Wednesday, I met with Gary Miller, a Vietnam veteran and 
current FedEx pilot based in Anchorage. If Congress would not have 
acted on this outdated regulation, Gary would have been forced to 
retire in February.
  In addition, there are pilots like Captain Bill Green, one of 
Alaska's best Hercules pilots. The Hercules aircraft are used for 
transporting large cargo shipments. Captain Green turns 60 next April 
and would have been forced into retirement, despite the need for 
qualified, experienced pilots in Alaska.
  Mike Redmond, who has experience flying every type of aircraft used 
in Alaska--in 2 years he will be 60 years old and under the Age 60 Rule 
Alaskans would have lost his wealth of knowledge and experience.
  I have supported changing this rule for more than a decade, and I 
applaud the Senate's actions in finally taking hold and raising the age 
to 65.
  These pilots are our most experienced aviators and are a valuable 
resource to the commercial aviation industry. This action today will 
allow them to continue serving our Nation.
  It is rare that Congress passes legislation that has such an 
immediate personal impact on our citizens. This is a proud moment for 
me and for the Congress. I am proud to say the President signed this 
bill immediately when he received it last night.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Minnesota is recognized.

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