# Plain Language Summary: Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act

This bill raises the mandatory retirement age for commercial airline pilots from 65 to 67 years old. Currently, federal law requires pilots flying for major airlines to retire when they turn 65, but this bill would allow experienced pilots to continue working for two additional years if they meet all other requirements.

The change applies to pilots flying commercial passenger and cargo flights under standard airline operations. However, there are some exceptions—the new age limit wouldn't apply if a foreign country or international aviation rules prohibit it in their airspace. Pilots who are already 65 or older when this bill becomes law can only continue flying if they were already employed as pilots at that time; newly hired older pilots wouldn't get the same benefit. The bill also requires that pilots over 60 continue to get first-class medical certificates, and these certificates must be renewed every six months to ensure they remain medically fit to fly.

The practical impact of this change would be felt in several ways. Airlines would have access to more experienced pilots for a longer period, potentially helping address pilot shortages that have affected the industry. Pilots themselves would have the option to work longer and potentially earn more retirement income. However, the bill includes protections requiring that any changes to pilot contracts or union agreements be negotiated between airlines and pilot unions, so existing labor agreements would need to be updated through proper channels. The bill also protects airlines and the FAA from lawsuits related to decisions made under these new rules, and it specifies that pilots won't face stricter medical requirements just because of their age unless the FAA determines new safety data warrants it.

Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act

Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act This bill raises the mandatory retirement age for pilots engaged in commercial aviation operations from 65 to 67 years of age, unless the operation takes place in (1) the territorial airspace of a foreign county where such operations are prohibited by the foreign country, or (2) international airspace where such operations are not in compliance with the Annexes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.