HR 5523119th CongressIn Committee

Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act of 2025

Introduced: Sep 19, 2025

InfrastructureLabor & Employment

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill, named the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act of 2025, would raise the retirement age for pilots who fly in multicrew commercial operations to 67. It amends title 49 of the U.S. Code to extend the age limit for pilots under Part 121 operations (major airline and similar scheduled operations) and makes related changes to medical certification timing, regulatory references, labor agreements, and reporting. The bill also provides retroactive access for pilots who are already over 65 to continue flying until age 67 and requires agreement between airlines and pilot unions for any labor‑plan changes needed to comply. The FAA would be allowed to study and report on further increasing the age limit within 180 days of enactment.

Key Points

1Age increase for multicrew covered operations: A pilot may serve in multicrew covered operations until age 67 (up from current limits in place for many pilots).
2What counts as covered operations: Defined as operations under part 121 of 14 C.F.R., with two exceptions for operations banned by foreign countries or noncompliant international airspace.
3Regulatory amendments: The regulation in 14 C.F.R. 121.383 would be treated as if it were amended to set the age limit at 67.
4Retroactivity and transition: Pilots who are already over 65 at enactment could return to service until 67.
5Labor agreements and benefits: Any required changes to labor agreements or carrier benefit plans to comply with the new age requirement must be made by agreement between the air carrier and pilot bargaining representatives.
6Medical standards: General medical standards would remain equal by age unless the FAA determines a need for difference; however, pilots aged 60 and older would be required to hold a first‑class medical certificate, and that certificate would expire six months after the examination date.
7Safety training and records: Air carriers must continue to use FAA‑approved pilot training and qualification programs.
8FAA reporting requirement: FAA must submit a report to Congress within 180 days after enactment about the possibility of further increasing the age limit.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Pilots in multicrew, Part 121 operations (major airlines and similar operations): The main beneficiaries and practical impact would be the extension of working age to 67, plus the stricter medical certificate cadence starting at age 60.Secondary group/area affected- Airlines and air carriers: Potential impacts on staffing, retirement planning, training schedules, and costs related to more frequent medical certifications for older pilots; labor relations during contract negotiations to align with the new age rule.- Pilot unions and bargaining representatives: Must negotiate amendments to collective bargaining agreements and related benefit plans to reflect the new age requirements.Additional impacts- Aviation safety oversight: FAA would reassess medical standards if new data prompts changes; a formal study and congressional report process is triggered.- Pilots over age thresholds: Those aged 60+ face new medical certification timings; those aged 65–67 receive a transitional opportunity to continue flying.- Travelers and safety advocates: Changes in pilot retirement age could influence staffing stability for airlines and perceptions of safety; the bill includes safety program oversight and training requirements.

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