Age 65 Law for Pilots Passes Muster Under Constitution, ADEA, Court Affirms

A federal law enacted in 2007 that raised the age limit for pilots flying U.S. commercial jets from 60 to 65, but applied only prospectively subject to two narrow exceptions, did not violate the constitutional or statutory rights of pilots who turned 60 before the law was passed and were not allowed subsequently to work as pilots on commercial jets, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit decided June 21 (Emory v. United Air Lines Inc., D.C. Cir., 11-7142, 6/21/13; Adams v. United States).

Ruling on two cases in which former pilots ...