Swiss helicopter pilots may continue to operate commercial passenger flights up to the age of 65. The European Aviation Safety Agency EASA has approved another exemption for Switzerland until January 2020. The Swiss Helicopter Association has thus successfully campaigned to ensure that pilots aged 60 and over can continue to transport passengers in the future.
There is a rule across Europe that helicopter pilots over 60 may not operate commercial passenger flights. Switzerland has so far been exempted from this regulation. Since the exemption expired last January, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation FOCA had requested a further extension at the request of the Swiss Helicopter Association (SHA) and based on a corresponding motion from the Federal Councils. This has now been granted until January 2020.
“The regulation in force in Europe is completely out of practice for Switzerland and would mean compulsory retirement for numerous Swiss pilots,” comments SHA President Martin Candinas. “There is no reason why a healthy sixty-year-old should no longer transport passengers if he is allowed to fly material transport or tree assembly over inhabited areas.” In order to be able to extend the exemption, Switzerland had introduced additional health checks for helicopter pilots over 60.
“We were able to show that safe flight operations are also possible with pilots over 60,” says Martin Candinas, pleased with the decision.
About the Swiss Helicopter Association (SHA)
The Swiss Helicopter Association brings together the 20 most important helicopter companies in Switzerland. The association represents its members vis-à-vis authorities and other organizations in Germany and abroad. It aims to protect, support and promote the common interests of Swiss and Liechtenstein helicopter companies.
Christian Gartmann is the Communications and Media Officer of the Swiss Helicopter Association.