Do Not Raise the Pilot Retirement Age

Based on extensive safety research, ICAO set the global standard for airline pilot retirement at age 65. Aligning U.S. rules with this standard ensures that pilots can continue flying international routes without restriction.

Proponents of raising the retirement age include certain lawmakers in Congress, particularly those who supported the "Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act," which would allow pilots to continue flying until age 67. Some regional airlines have also pushed for the change, claiming it would help with staffing, despite the fact that most pilots leave regional airlines for mainline carriers long before reaching 65. Additionally, special interest groups have lobbied for the change under the argument of a pilot shortage—an assertion disputed by the FAA and labor unions, who point out that there are currently more certificated pilots than available jobs.

If they succeed in raising pilot retirement age, pilots over 65 would lose eligibility to fly internationally, forcing them to switch to domestic routes. This would cause a training backlog, disrupt pilot schedules, and increase airline costs, all while displacing younger pilots from career advancement.

No. The FAA and Bureau of Transportation Statistics confirm that there are more certificated pilots than available jobs. Raising the retirement age would not increase service to smaller communities or improve flight availability.

No. Unlike the extensive research conducted before the last retirement age change in 2007, no new studies support raising the age beyond 65. The FAA has not validated any safety or operational benefits for increasing the limit.

Opponents of raising the retirement age include the FAA, which has not validated any safety or operational benefits of increasing the limit, and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), which has no plans to raise the retirement age beyond 65, meaning pilots over 65 would be unable to fly international routes.

Additionally, more than 30 labor unions, including ALPA, strongly oppose the change, citing safety concerns, operational disruptions, and collective bargaining issues. Many airline executives, including United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, have stated that raising the retirement age would not help with pilot availability and would introduce new challenges.

More than 30 labor unions oppose raising the retirement age, citing concerns over contract disputes, operational inefficiencies, and increased costs. Even airline executives recognize that a higher retirement age would not solve workforce issues.

In 2007, the FAA raised the pilot upper age limit to 65 to align with ICAO standards, which were already set at 65. Since ICAO has not changed this standard and has no plans to do so, raising the U.S. retirement age beyond 65 would create conflicts with international regulations. Unlike the extensive research and validation conducted before the 2007 change, there have been no scientific or safety studies supporting an increase beyond 65, making any such consideration premature and unverified.