Pilots can be grounded at 65 as EU judges put safety first
A Lufthansa pilot who was grounded when he turned 65 lost his age-discrimination fight at the EU’s top court, which said EU legislation imposing the limit is justified for safety reasons. “It is undeniable that the physical capabilities essential to the profession of an airline pilot diminish with age,” the EU Court of Justice said in a ruling Wednesday. Insisting on the limit prevents the possibility of age-related accidents, the court said. Pilot groups argue that it makes no sense to ground cockpit crews while there is a shortage of trained aviators and while the rest of the population is expected to work longer before retirement. The EU judges in their decision acknowledged that setting the strict limit led to a difference in treatment based on age, but said this “is justified by the aim of ensuring civil aviation safety in Europe.” <br/>
https://portal.staralliance.com/cms/news/hot-topics/2017-07-06/general/pilots-can-be-grounded-at-65-as-eu-judges-put-safety-first
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Pilots can be grounded at 65 as EU judges put safety first
A Lufthansa pilot who was grounded when he turned 65 lost his age-discrimination fight at the EU’s top court, which said EU legislation imposing the limit is justified for safety reasons. “It is undeniable that the physical capabilities essential to the profession of an airline pilot diminish with age,” the EU Court of Justice said in a ruling Wednesday. Insisting on the limit prevents the possibility of age-related accidents, the court said. Pilot groups argue that it makes no sense to ground cockpit crews while there is a shortage of trained aviators and while the rest of the population is expected to work longer before retirement. The EU judges in their decision acknowledged that setting the strict limit led to a difference in treatment based on age, but said this “is justified by the aim of ensuring civil aviation safety in Europe.” <br/>
