The move is an attempt to address the commercial pilot shortage.
A group led by Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina proposed legislation to raise the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67 on Monday. The idea is that allowing older pilots to continue working for two more years will help to address the shortage of pilots the airline industry currently faces. “It’s time for America to adjust its age when it comes to allowing qualified people to be in the cockpit,” said Senator Graham.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) have opposed such an action since the pilot shortage began. As an alternative, Secretary Buttigieg stated, “The answer is to make sure we have as many and as good pilots ready to take their place, to have a stronger pipeline.” He continued, “We’re backing that up with FAA programs that support high school and college curriculum to get into aviation, and of course ultimately it’ll be for the airlines and those employers to hire and retain excellent talent.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For federal legislators as they propose and discuss solutions to the issues facing the nation.
- For Secretary Buttigieg as he considers alternatives to the extension of pilots’ retirement age.
- For Administrator Dickson as he heads the FAA.
Sources: The Hill, Reuters
