Legis Daily

Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act

USA119th CongressS-4452| Senate 
| Updated: 4/30/2026
Lindsey Graham

Lindsey Graham

Republican Senator

South Carolina

Cosponsors (3)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican)Chuck Grassley (Republican)Mark Kelly (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the "Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act," aims to increase the mandatory retirement age for pilots engaged in commercial aviation operations. It amends existing federal law to allow pilots in multicrew commercial airline operations (Part 121) to serve until 67 years of age , up from the current 65. Additionally, air carriers conducting specific turbojet operations under Part 135 may elect to permit pilots to serve until 70 years of age , provided they give one year's written notice to the FAA, and this election is irreversible. The legislation includes provisions for pilots aged 65 or older at the time of enactment, allowing them to continue service if already employed or if newly hired without prior seniority credit. It also mandates that pilots aged 60 and above maintain a first-class medical certificate , which must be renewed every six months. Furthermore, the bill specifies that any amendments to labor agreements or benefit plans required by these changes must be made through agreement between the air carrier and the pilots' designated bargaining representative, ensuring continued safety through FAA-approved training programs.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4607
Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-893
Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act
Sep 20, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-5523
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Apr 30, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 30, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4607
    Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-893
    Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act


  • September 20, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-5523
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.


  • April 30, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 30, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Transportation and Public Works

Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act

USA119th CongressS-4452| Senate 
| Updated: 4/30/2026
This bill, known as the "Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act," aims to increase the mandatory retirement age for pilots engaged in commercial aviation operations. It amends existing federal law to allow pilots in multicrew commercial airline operations (Part 121) to serve until 67 years of age , up from the current 65. Additionally, air carriers conducting specific turbojet operations under Part 135 may elect to permit pilots to serve until 70 years of age , provided they give one year's written notice to the FAA, and this election is irreversible. The legislation includes provisions for pilots aged 65 or older at the time of enactment, allowing them to continue service if already employed or if newly hired without prior seniority credit. It also mandates that pilots aged 60 and above maintain a first-class medical certificate , which must be renewed every six months. Furthermore, the bill specifies that any amendments to labor agreements or benefit plans required by these changes must be made through agreement between the air carrier and the pilots' designated bargaining representative, ensuring continued safety through FAA-approved training programs.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 117-4607
Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-893
Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act
Sep 20, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-5523
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Apr 30, 2026
Introduced in Senate
Apr 30, 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 117-4607
    Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-893
    Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act


  • September 20, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-5523
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.


  • April 30, 2026
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 30, 2026
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Lindsey Graham

Lindsey Graham

Republican Senator

South Carolina

Cosponsors (3)
Marsha Blackburn (Republican)Chuck Grassley (Republican)Mark Kelly (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Transportation and Public Works

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted