DCA Notice to Aircraft Operators 01/2013
Background:
The maximum age limit for a pilot to operate an aircraft for the purpose of Public Transport is stated in the Eleventh Schedule of Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR) 2007 paragraph 4(2)(b)(v). After extensive studies carried out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the standards and recommended practices issued by ICAO have changed. This Notice is to inform aircraft operators that the State of Mauritius is adopting the recommendations of ICAO and the upper age limits have changed.
ICAO State Letter AN5/16.1-13/33 informs contracting states that medical evidence has shown that the likelihood of a pilot becoming incapacitated in flight is less than1 x 10-6 whilst a double incapacitation is less than 1 x10-12. This is well within an acceptable maximum risk tolerance for other types of risks such as a “catastrophic” airworthiness failure in commercial air transport operations, which should be “extremely improbable” (1 x10-9 per flight hour) according to aircraft design standards.
With respect to potential performance degradation with increasing age, the current upper age limit of 65 years for aircraft requiring two pilots is regarded as acceptable by the great majority of States. Up to this age States have not reported any observed decrease of flight safety. This has been supported by nine major operators based in five different regions who have reviewed performance of pilots over 60 years with younger age groups and not found any important degradation in pilot performance up to age 65 years. In addition, any pilot who is having difficulties can be expected to be identified by routine simulator and operational (line) checks.
New Age Limits:
The requirement will read, “pilot licences holdersshallnotflysuchanaeroplaneonanyflightforthe purposeofpublictransportafterheattainstheageof 65years; nor fly for the purpose of public transport after attaining the age of 60 yearsunlesstheaeroplaneisfittedwithdual controlsandcarriesasecondpilotwhoholdsan appropriatelicenceundertheseregulationsentitling himtoactaspilotincommandorco-pilotofthataeroplane.” There are no further changes to age or qualification requirements.
The amendment to Annex 1 of the ICAO Convention is effective from 13 November 2014. Operators should note that other contracting States may have decided not to adopt the ICAO recommendation or are awaiting changes to their legislation prior to introducing this change. It is therefore important that operatorswishing to utilise this change seek clarification from the states which they fly to or overfly to ensurecompliance with local policies.
Applicability:
The State of Mauritius has decided to adopt this change withimmediate effective andit is applicable to allAircraft Operator Certificate (AOC) holders.
Authority:
This notice is issued by the Director of Civil Aviation under the provisions of Article 135 of CAR, and supercedes previous instruction. CAR and AOCRs will be amended in due course. If further clarification is required contact the DCA.
Captain Garth Gray.
forDirector of Civil Aviation
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