Some lawmakers believe raising the retirement age of pilots would help alleviate the current shortage of pilots. [Credit: Shutterstock]
Key Takeaways:
The House Transportation Committee passed a provision in its FAA Reauthorization bill to increase the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67.
Proponents, including the Regional Airline Association, support the change to help address the pilot shortage and an anticipated wave of retirements.
Opponents like the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) strongly reject the proposal, citing safety concerns, potential displacement of younger pilots, and its limited effectiveness for regional or international routes due to existing rules.
The measure's future is uncertain, having narrowly passed the House committee while facing further debate and not being included in the Senate's version of the bill.
Commercial airline pilots looking to retire at 65 might have to defer those plans for a couple of years, if House transportation lawmakers have their way.
On Wednesday, the House Committee of Transportation and Infrastructure unanimously passed its FAA Reauthorization bill, which includes a provision to increase the retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67.
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Amelia Walsh is a private pilot who enjoys flying her family’s Columbia 350. She is based in Colorado and loves all things outdoors including skiing, hiking, and camping.
