Research study: age limitations for commercial air transport pilots

Description

The study aims at assessing the need for a regulatory pilot age limit in order to mitigate the risk to flight safety resulting from the potential increasing cases of sudden incapacitation for pilots aged over 60. Furthermore, considering the different types of CAT operations the study should determine whether the aforementioned risk of incapacitation can be mitigated by specific health screening or shortened screening intervals rather than by an arbitrary age limit. In the case of a positive answer, the study should also propose a battery of tests (medical, physiological, psychological, etc.) to support aero-medical decision on the applicant's fitness on an individual basis. Task 1: collect statistical data and perform an analysis of the morbidity and the unfitness within the EU pilot community differentiated by the category of CAT, average duration of operation and pilot age; series of data available from national aviation authorities will need to be collected by the contractor. The issue of data confidentiality and privacy in respect of national laws will need to be assessed carefully by the contractor. Task 2: define, in a statistically reliable manner, the acceptable incapacitation risk levels differentiated by the category of CAT operations and pilot age (e.g. using an improved ‘1 % rule’) as well as by considering single and 2-crew operations. Task 3: identify the battery of examination tests (psychological, physiological, medical, etc.) in order to improve the aero-medical assessment and to have an evidence-based aero-medical decision on the applicant's fitness on an individual basis and assess their associated periodicity. Task 4: develop the recommendations for the implementation of the proposed changes in aero-medical assessment and assess areas for further investigations (if needed).