Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Aviation Subcommittee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This legislation, known as the "Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act of 2025," aims to increase the mandatory retirement age for pilots in commercial aviation. It amends federal law to allow pilots to serve in multicrew covered operations until 67 years of age, raising the previous limit of 65, and retroactively permits pilots over 65 on the enactment date to return to service. The bill defines "covered operations" as those under Part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, with specific exclusions for certain foreign or international airspace. It also protects actions taken in conformance with these new age standards from employment-related liability, and requires amendments to labor agreements to be made by mutual agreement. A key provision addresses medical standards, stating pilots will not face different or more frequent medical examinations due to age unless the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determines it is necessary for safety based on new data. However, pilots over 60 must maintain a first-class medical certificate , expiring every six months. The FAA Administrator is also directed to report to Congress within 180 days on the feasibility of further increasing the pilot age limitation.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act of 2025
USA119th CongressHR-5523| House
| Updated: 9/20/2025
This legislation, known as the "Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act of 2025," aims to increase the mandatory retirement age for pilots in commercial aviation. It amends federal law to allow pilots to serve in multicrew covered operations until 67 years of age, raising the previous limit of 65, and retroactively permits pilots over 65 on the enactment date to return to service. The bill defines "covered operations" as those under Part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, with specific exclusions for certain foreign or international airspace. It also protects actions taken in conformance with these new age standards from employment-related liability, and requires amendments to labor agreements to be made by mutual agreement. A key provision addresses medical standards, stating pilots will not face different or more frequent medical examinations due to age unless the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determines it is necessary for safety based on new data. However, pilots over 60 must maintain a first-class medical certificate , expiring every six months. The FAA Administrator is also directed to report to Congress within 180 days on the feasibility of further increasing the pilot age limitation.