Pilot Age Limit and Flight Privileges Amendment

PCAR Part 2.3.1.5.1 is amended to regulate the privileges of pilots who have reached 65th birthday.
The amended rule addresses (a) prohibition for pilots serving on Philippine-registered civil aircraft in commercial air transport; (b) conditional allowance for certain non-commercial flights; (c) presumptions of commercial air transport and enumerated exceptions; and (d) proof requirements for claimed exceptions.

PCAR Part 2.3.1.5.1(a) provides that no person holding any pilot license under this Part shall serve as pilot-in-command or co-pilot on a Philippine-registered civil aircraft engaged in commercial air transport if that person has reached 65th year of age.
The prohibition covers both pilot-in-command and co-pilot roles.
The restriction applies specifically when the aircraft operation is engaged in commercial air transport.

PCAR Part 2.3.1.5.1(b) permits any person beyond 65 years of age who holds any pilot license and a valid medical certificate under this Part to fly as pilot-in-command or co-pilot.
The allowance applies only if the flight is not in pursuance of commercial air transport operations, singly or collectively.
The conditional allowance requires compliance with a mandatory CAAP medical check-up every six (6) months.
The rule treats the valid medical certificate as a precondition to exercise the privilege beyond age 65.

PCAR Part 2.3.1.5.1(c) establishes a presumption that, for purposes of paragraphs (a) and (b) and other applicable PCAR provisions, all aircraft operations involving the transport of passengers, cargo or mail are presumed commercial air transport operations.
The presumption includes passenger, cargo, and mail movements as covered activities.
The presumption is rebutted by the following instances:
- c.1: Training or demonstration flights of Approved Training Organizations.
- c.2: Corporate flights for transporting the company’s executives, employees and/or clients.
- c.3: Where the cargo on board is owned by the aircraft owner/operator.

PCAR Part 2.3.1.5.1(d) requires that any person who claims that a flight is covered by the exceptions must present sufficient proof, whether documentary and/or testimonial.
The presentation of proof is required when so required by the Authority.
The claim must be supported to demonstrate that the flight falls within the enumerated exceptions in paragraph (c).

The conditional allowance for pilots beyond 65 years of age requires compliance with a mandatory CAAP medical check schedule of every six (6) months under PCAR Part 2.3.1.5.1(b).
A note directs reference to Part 8.10.1.1 for relevant medical check-up matters associated with the medical requirement.
The issuance references PCAR Part 2.3.1.5.1 and Administrative Circular No. 01-12, Series of 2012 as background references for the amendment.
The issuance provides that the amendment is to be implemented through immediate effect upon publication compliance and filing with the UP Law Center - Office of the National Administrative Register.