The Swiss Helicopter Association (SHA) supports the political call for the creation of a new, national Swiss commercial pilot license. It appears to be the only way to put an end to the de facto professional ban imposed by EASA for pilots aged 60 and over.
The National Council's Commission for Transport and Telecommunications (KVF-N) requires the Federal Council to create the basis for a national commercial pilot license. It should be valid on the territory of Switzerland and allow professional pilots to operate commercial flights up to the age of 65 if they meet the appropriate medical and aviation requirements. Today, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation issues licenses from the European Aviation Security Agency EASA. This only allows professional helicopter pilots up to the age of 60 to operate commercial passenger flights.
“The EASA provision means an occupational ban for many of Switzerland's most experienced helicopter pilots, as they may no longer be used by their employers for the entire range of tasks. This is discriminatory and incomprehensible,” explains National Councillor Martin Candinas, President of the Swiss Helicopter Association (SHA).
“Although even EASA itself regards the provision as outdated and Parliament gave the federal government a clear mandate to abolish the arbitrary age limit more than four years ago, the Federal Office is maintaining the de facto ban on employment.” On Tuesday, the National Council's Commission for Transport and Telecommunications (KVF-N) adopted a Commission motion without dissenting votes, which requires the creation of a national professional pilot license. It should set the age limit at 65 years.
“Several studies have shown that pilots over 60 pose no safety risk if they pass medical and aviation tests. There is no reasonable reason to prevent them from doing their job,” said SHA President Candinas.
More information
Martin Candinas, President of SHA
telephone +41 78 841 66 86
Philip Kristensen, managing director of SHA
Tel +41 58 796 99 60 / info@sha-swiss.ch
Christian Gartmann, SHA Communications
Tel +41 79 355 78 78 / media@sha-swiss.ch
About the Swiss Helicopter Association (SHA)
The Swiss Helicopter Association brings together the 20 most important helicopter companies in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. 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 has been Communications and Media Officer of the Swiss Helicopter Association (SHA) since 2018.