FAA Nominee Calls Mandatory Pilot Retirement Age ‘Arbitrary’

Bryan Bedford, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), called the current mandatory airline pilot retirement age of 65 “arbitrary” during his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday.

Bedford, CEO of Republic Airways, was questioned by the Senate Commerce Committee about whether the retirement age should be raised. A proposal to increase the age to 67 was narrowly rejected last year during debate over the FAA Reauthorization Act.

“So those who wish to serve, having an arbitrary mandatory retirement age doesn’t seem like the right answer to me,” Bedford said, noting the experience and mentoring value older pilots bring to the industry.

The proposal to raise the age has faced opposition from major industry groups, including the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents about 79,000 members. Bedford acknowledged the operational and international challenges of such a change, citing International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards that currently set the global limit at 65.

While some countries allow pilots to fly past that age, Bedford cautioned about the logistical impact on operations, especially for pilots currently flying widebody aircraft internationally. If ICAO standards are not updated, older U.S. pilots could face restrictions on international routes.

Bedford believes that aligning with ICAO is key to making the change viable, stating, “I think it’s absolutely possible to accomplish that in a reasonable period of time.”

ICAO last raised the retirement age from 60 to 65 in 2006. Bedford’s comments signal potential policy shifts if confirmed to lead the FAA.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, flyingmag.com

Tags: FlightSafety, SyndicEx250622B

FAA Nominee Calls Mandatory Pilot Retirement Age ‘Arbitrary’

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