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Pilots Can Now Fly Until Age 65

New law raises mandatory retirement age from 60

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 15, 2007 9:23 AM CST

(Newser) – US pilots can now fly until they're 65 instead of being of being forced to retire at age 60. A bill signed into law yesterday raises the mandatory retirement age to reflect the greater physical fitness of today's 60-year-olds, the Chicago Tribune reports. The new law puts an end to a half-century of industry debate and brings the US in line with the rest of the world.

The new law is unwelcome news for younger pilots struggling to find good jobs in the current airline slump. Others worry about safety implications of older pilots' vulnerability to fatigue, though the FAA says there is no proof of age-related risk. Pilots already forced to retire can return, but they must do so as lowly junior pilots.

(Index Stock)

United Airlines pilot Capt. Allan Engelhardt, 59, sits inside the cockpit of a Boeing 777 at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in this July 25, 2006 file photo. Englehardt is part of a group of dozens... (Associated Press)

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New law raises mandatory retirement age from 60

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Cockpit Recorder No Help in Northwest Flight Probe

Device captures just half an hour; record of 78-minute gap lost

Air Safety Experts Most Worried About Runways

Ground incidents increase over last six months

Southwest Grounds 44 Planes

Missed inspections for cracks drew fine from FAA—which didn't take immediate action

Airline Sleuths Dig Up Data to Save Lives

Flight record scans reveal hidden risks, prevent crashes

Tired Pilots Wake Up Just in Time to Land Red-Eye

2004 incident comes to light during Congressional hearing

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Pilots Can Now Fly Until Age 65

New law raises mandatory retirement age from 60

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

FAA • retirement • airline • airline safety • pilot • pilot fatigue

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Cockpit Recorder No Help in Northwest Flight Probe

Device captures just half an hour; record of 78-minute gap lost

Air Safety Experts Most Worried About Runways

Ground incidents increase over last six months

Southwest Grounds 44 Planes

Missed inspections for cracks drew fine from FAA—which didn't take immediate action

Airline Sleuths Dig Up Data to Save Lives

Flight record scans reveal hidden risks, prevent crashes

Tired Pilots Wake Up Just in Time to Land Red-Eye

2004 incident comes to light during Congressional hearing

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Newser By Users

Community

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