Bill Overview
Title: Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act
Description: 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.
Sponsors: Sen. Graham, Lindsey [R-SC]
Target Audience
Population: Pilots aged 65 to 66 engaged in commercial aviation
Estimated Size: 2100
- The bill applies to commercial aviation pilots, specifically those nearing the current retirement age of 65.
- According to the FAA, as of 2021, there were approximately 158,000 total airline transport pilot certificate holders in the U.S.
- The bill affects only those pilots who are between the ages of 65 and 66, a small subset of the total pilots.
- Many countries follow similar aviation retirement regulations, so while the global number is potentially high, the concentration would be less outside of the US due to varied regulations.
- Pilots who wish to continue flying beyond 65 will be directly impacted, as well as the airlines that would retain experienced pilots for longer.
- Retirement age for pilots is an international issue but is often regulated at a national level.
Reasoning
- The primary target of this policy is a small demographic of pilots aged 65 to 66. Given that there are about 158,000 total airline transport pilot certificate holders, we estimate that between 1,500 to 3,000 pilots could choose to extend their career under this policy.
- While the policy is of direct relevance to the pilots affected, there are potential broader implications on airline operations, workforce planning, and pilot training pipelines.
- The budgetary constraints of implementing this policy are minimal, largely administrative, necessitating adjustments in retirement planning and certification monitoring.
- The Cantril wellbeing score will capture the pilots' self-assessed quality of life considering extended employment and associated factors like financial stability, professional satisfaction, and health.
- The policy is less likely to significantly impact individuals not in or around the target age group, though it might influence perceptions of retirement planning among younger pilots.
Simulated Interviews
Commercial Pilot (Texas)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I enjoy flying and this gives me more time to save for retirement.
- I was concerned about what to do after retirement. This gives me more options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
Commercial Pilot (Florida)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I appreciate that I'm given the option to continue working.
- More time working also means more time doing what I love.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Commercial Pilot (California)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'll have to reconsider my retirement planning strategy.
- The health test requirements will keep me prepared but also stressed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Commercial Pilot (New York)
Age: 65 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I wanted to retire at 67, this fits my plans perfectly.
- I feel supported and valued in my profession.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
Commercial Pilot (Washington)
Age: 63 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The possibility of flying longer gives more flexibility.
- It gives me leverage in negotiating post-retirement contracts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Pilot (Illinois)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm happy with my retirement but it's nice to know I could return if needed.
- This policy seems more beneficial for those still contemplating retirement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Former Commercial Pilot (Colorado)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a good option for those who want or need to work longer.
- This wouldn’t have changed my decision to retire.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Commercial Pilot (Georgia)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I’m glad for those who want to extend but I’d still retire at 65.
- This might change the dynamics for senior pilots’ planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Commercial Pilot (Ohio)
Age: 62 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This change would give me more years to build savings for my children's education.
- It’s reassuring knowing I have the option to fly longer.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Retired Pilot (Nevada)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a step in the right direction for pilot rights, but practical impact for me is none.
- I’m more focused on leisure activities now.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 2: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 5: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensuring pilots' health standards remain high for safety purposes as the age limit increases.
- Possible resistance from pilots' unions and negotiating changes in collective labor agreements.
- Compliance with international regulations when flying outside the US is crucial to avoid operational disruptions.