FAA Proposes Raising Pilot Retirement Age

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it will propose a regulatory change raising the mandatory retirement age for U.S. commercial pilots from 60 to 65.

Probably responding to legislation proposed in 2006 by Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), that would have accomplished the same age increase, the FAA issued a press release confirming that it would issue a formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) later this year and will publish a final rule after period for public comment.

In 1959, despite having no scientific evidence to support its action, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enacted a rule setting the mandatory retirement age for U.S. commercial pilots at 60.

"Due to thorough physical and mental evaluations in place for all pilots, we know that these experienced pilots meet the highest qualifications and standards," said Sen. Inhof, when he introduced his bill in the Senate. "Americans are living longer, healthier lives and we must take this into consideration when examining mandatory retirement laws."

Completing the agency's about-face on the issue, FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey stated, "A pilot's experience counts -- it's an added margin of safety. Foreign airlines have demonstrated that experienced pilots in good health can fly beyond age 60 without compromising safety."

The Federal Aviation Administration is a regulatory arm of the U.S. Department of Transportation, a Cabinet-level agency.

Also See: Bill Would Keep Veteran U.S. Pilots Flying