To address the nation’s shortage of commercial pilots, U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) this week joined five of her Republican colleagues to introduce legislation that would raise the retirement age for pilots engaged in commercial aviation operations.
“Our nation’s air travel system is struggling with a pilot shortage. The lack of available pilots causes flight cancellations and service reductions,” Sen. Fischer said. “This hurts Nebraska airports that rely on the Essential Air Service to stay connected. Raising the retirement age is a common-sense solution that will help to alleviate this crisis.”
Sen. Fischer is an original cosponsor of the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act, S. 4607, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and three other original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).
If enacted, S. 4607 would raise the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age from 65 to 67 years; require that pilots over the age of 65 maintain a first-class medical certification that must be renewed every six months; and mandate that air carriers continue using pilot training and qualification programs approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Ernst’s office.
At the same time, the bill would not change or alter any other qualification for a person to become a commercial airline pilot, the summary says.
The bill has been referred to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for consideration.