How Congress Might Ease the Pilot Shortage

Congress is considering a policy change that would raise the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67, aiming to ease a pilot shortage that has contributed to airline delays and cancellations. The proposal, introduced by Republicans, would increase the cutoff by two years, with main sponsors Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX). Supporters cite a study warning North America will be short about 12,000 pilots by next year, roughly 13% of the number expected to be needed. The FAA previously raised the retirement age from 60 to 65 in 2007, and Graham noted “the sky did not fall.” The Air Line Pilots Association opposes the measure, as does Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who says the current age is set “for safety reasons.” With only Republican cosponsors so far, passage this year appears unlikely.