https://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/articles/news/renewed-pressure-to-raise-the-pilot-retirement-age.html(seems to come up every year, wondering if ATC's would be next ?)
Will the mandatory legal retirement age for pilots be changed?
Pilots in the United States are currently required to retire at age 65. Now, an increasing number of senators from both parties are working to raise it to 67. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) wrote a letter on July 14, 2025, urging the Trump administration to push for removing the age limit globally through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Raising the age, according to proponents, helps retain seasoned pilots, enhancing safety and lowering accident rates. Additionally, they are afraid of losing influence to China, which is already supporting the shift.
However, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) is strongly opposed to this proposal. In addition to raising ticket costs and creating a costly training backlog, ALPA cautions that raising the retirement age would disrupt airline operations.
They stress that raising the U.S. retirement age beyond 65 would violate international regulations established by the ICAO, which would legally prohibit pilots over 65 from flying abroad, possibly forcing them to take local flights and having an impact on hiring and contracting.
The FAA has likewise advised prudence. According to FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker's recommendation, Congress should postpone any changes until appropriate safety investigations and risk assessments are finished.
"Aviation safety is paramount, and now is not the time to take a shortcut," said Maria Cantwell (D-WA), chair of the Senate Commerce Committee.
The FAA renewal, which included a rise to 67, was previously approved by the U.S. House in July 2023; however, it was withdrawn prior to final passage in the Transportation Trades Department in April 2024. Although domestic legal efforts continue to overcome international laws that prohibit pilots over 65 from flying overseas, the Senate's letter most recently demonstrates increased interest.
In conclusion, ALPA is adamantly opposed to the proposal by U.S. Senators Thune, Blackburn, and Kelly to raise the pilot retirement age to 67, citing safety, contractual, and international legal concerns. Before becoming a reality, any alteration would need to be in li
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