OVERVIEW
Matthew is advising Captain Wayne Bayley on his recent application, commenced in the Administrative Court, for a judicial review of the CAA’s position in respect of the prohibition for commercial pilots flying over the age of 64, and specifically to enforce the requirement that the CAA have due regard, under its statutory public sector equality duty, to the need to advance equality of opportunity to commercial pilots over that age.
Captain Bayley is a former captain with TUI airlines, with nearly 26,000 hours of flying time.
Earlier this year Captain Bayley, a former captain with TUI airlines, with nearly 26,000 hours of flying time, turned 65. Under EU Aircrew Regulations, this means he is now prohibited from acting as a pilot in commercial air transport.
Captain Bayley was a training captain for over 22 years and spent four years as a fleet manager with TUI Airways, in which role he was responsible for over 30 aircraft and associated pilots. He has passed all medical and competency examinations during his career at an above average level. In 2013 Captain Bayley flew the first ever Boeing 787 Dreamliner to his native Barbados from the UK.
The Aircrew Regulations prevent commercial pilots from flying over the age of 59 unless in the cockpit with another pilot under the age of 60. Additionally, the upper limit of 64, which is the issue in this case, prohibits any flying even when alongside a younger pilot.
Non-EU countries including Australia, New Zealand and Canada do not have upper age limit restrictions on pilots; they base a pilot’s competency to fly on medical tests.
Matthew Reeve is instructed by Simon Elcock, of DMH Stallard, who is handling the matter for Captain Bayley.