Aviation Authority Discriminating Against Old People, Says Pilot Forced To Retire

9 October 2018, 09:55 | Updated: 9 October 2018, 10:41

A retired pilot warns that the Civil Aviation Authority faces a "crisis of inexperienced pilots" as a result of a fixed retirement age set at 65-year-old.

Wayne Bayley, a pilot who was forced into retirement by CAA rules, believes that there is "no evidence" to suggest that it is unsafe for over 65-year-olds to fly.

Speaking to Nick Ferrari, he said that there is "a lot of evidence that pilots beyond 65 are still fit to fly."

Mr Bayley reminded Nick of US Airways flight 1549, which famously landed in New York's Hudson River in January 2009 after losing engine power after striking a flock of geese after takeoff.

The highly commended pilot, Chesley Sullenberger, whose actions saved the lives of all 155 people onboard, was 57-years-old when the accident occurred.

Wayne Bayley speaking to Nick Ferrari in the LBC studio.
Wayne Bayley speaking to Nick Ferrari in the LBC studio. Picture: LBC

Mr Bayley said: "There are five UK airlines struggling to get experienced pilots to be captains.

"Over the next five years, 750 pilots are going to be retiring. Why are we forcing those people to stop flying?

"Why are we shooting ourselves in the foot?"

More Nick Ferrari

See more More Nick Ferrari

LBC callers react to Israel’s ‘risky’ strike on Iran

LBC callers react to Israel’s ‘risky’ strike on Iran

Caller in Israel warns against Iran becoming a nuclear-armed state

Caller in Israel warns against Iran becoming a nuclear-armed state

Caller points out that Israel denied entry to Labour MPs as UK comes under fire for new sanctions

Caller points out that Israel denied entry to Labour MPs as UK comes under fire for new sanctions

Caller Layla

Caller Layla fears for her daughters following Kemi Badenoch's Burqa comments

Caller Barry

LBC caller backs the government's reversal on the winter fuel allowence

Nick Ferrari is unsure about caller Bill's proposal to turn migrant hotels into prisons

Nick Ferrari is unsure about caller Bill's proposal to turn migrant hotels into prisons

Call the Cabinet: Nick Ferrari is joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed to take your calls

Call the Cabinet: Nick Ferrari is joined by Environment Secretary Steve Reed to take your calls

LBC reaction: 1200 Channel migrants arrive in a single day

LBC reaction: 1200 Channel migrants arrive in a single day

Exclusive
'Elite mindset' and ‘left-wing opinion’ fuelling migrant crisis says Nick Ferrari as he slams government

'Elite mindset' and ‘left-wing opinion’ fuelling migrant crisis says Nick Ferrari as he slams the government

Reform, racism and ‘a perverse Batman’ | LBC’s best callers of the week

Reform, racism and ‘a perverse Batman’: LBC’s best callers of the week

'Farage is a media-made man'

David and Nick debate whether 'tiny and ridiculous' Reform gets too much airtime

Tube worker John

Tube worker shares his close encounters with fare dodgers

LBC callers react to Netanyahu calling out Starmer for being on the 'wrong side of humanity'

LBC callers react to Netanyahu calling out Starmer for being on the 'wrong side of humanity'

LBC callers react as the UK suspends trade talks with Israel

LBC callers react as the UK suspends trade talks with Israel

LBC callers react: UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions

LBC callers react: UK, France and Canada threaten Israel with sanctions

LBC caller ‘annoyed’ by reaction to UK-EU deal

LBC caller ‘annoyed’ by reaction to UK-EU deal