The British Pilots Fighting to Fly Beyond Age 65

British pilots currently face mandatory retirement at age 65, but an increasing number are lobbying to change this rule. Former Ryanair pilot Brian Smith, who will reach 65 in February 2026, sees the regulation as outdated and is advocating for a review. Having previously flown for airlines like Ryanair and Emirates, Smith argues that the retirement age should be raised to at least 68, allowing experienced pilots to continue contributing to the industry.

The retirement age for British pilots was raised from 60 to 65 in 1994 by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), but Smith believes it’s time for another update. He highlights the practical benefits of extending pilots’ careers, noting the UK’s ongoing pilot shortage. Since Brexit, recruiting non-national pilots for British-registered aircraft has become more challenging due to increased regulatory requirements. The pilot shortage has also been exacerbated by production delays from Boeing, impacting aircraft delivery timelines.

“Raising the retirement age could alleviate the pilot shortage and preserve valuable skills and experience for younger pilots to learn from,” says Smith, who views older pilots’ experience as essential to maintaining balance in the cockpit.

Smith’s stance reflects a growing sentiment within the pilot community. He shared a social media post from a fellow pilot lamenting, “Yesterday I could, today I’m too old to fly commercially,” which received an outpouring of support. Many agree that a review of the age limit is long overdue.

However, concerns remain about the potential health risks of allowing pilots to fly into their late sixties. Studies, including data from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), indicate that the risk of sudden incapacitation, such as heart attacks or strokes, increases with age. One FAA study showed a notable rise in health-related incapacitation after age 60, though the majority of affected pilots were hobbyists rather than commercial professionals subject to frequent medical assessments.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) published findings on commercial pilots, revealing that in-flight incapacitation is rare (occurring at about 0.45 events per million flight hours). The EASA report did indicate that cardiovascular risks, syncope, seizures, and acute psychosis could increase with age, though such cases are infrequent.

Smith acknowledges these risks but feels that rigorous health checks, especially for older pilots, mitigate them. “At 60, pilots undergo medical exams twice a year, not just annually,” he explains, adding that pilots are often cleared to fly even after corrective procedures like heart surgery, as long as they pass a medical evaluation.

With retirement approaching, Smith is planning for life after flying. He and his wife intend to spend time in southern Spain, and Smith holds a training certification that allows him to coach new pilots on Boeing aircraft. However, this role is less lucrative, offering around £400 for a four-hour session, compared to a six-figure salary for captains at major airlines.

Despite his plans, Smith feels the mandatory retirement age is inherently unfair. “It’s just not right,” he says. “Few other careers force retirement at 65.”

The CAA recognizes this issue, acknowledging the importance of testing age-related limits. Working with international regulators, the CAA aims to assess these age restrictions based on advances in science and medicine. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is also reviewing its age guidelines, supported by findings from EASA’s study on older pilots.

For now, the age cap remains, but Smith and others hope to see changes that will allow seasoned pilots to extend their careers and pass on their invaluable experience.

Related news: https://airguide.info/?s=pilots

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, telegraph.co.uk