Raising the airline pilot mandatory retirement age from 65 to 67 could free up the air travel logjam

[Stinky The Clown]

At least that is what some analysts believe. They also believe the change would ease the current pilot shortage by increasing the number of pilots right now by 13%.

67 is a decade or so younger than me. I think we are younger than we were, likely younger than when that rule was made. Personally, I would fly with a 67 or even 68 year old pilot.

But that's me. What do you think? Should we raise the retirement age for pilots?

[XanaDUer2]

1. I would nt

[Ocelot II]

2. Since they'd still have to pass the FAA 1st-class medical exam, why not?

[Enter stage left]

3. When I was 69 I was playing 4-6 hours of racquetball a week...

and kicking ass on 20-50 year old's.

Our office was on the 3rd floor, with seven steps, a landing then 7 more steps between floors. I took those steps 2,3,2 at a time.

If you're not familiar with, or have not played racquetball, it is one of the most intense sports you can play. It is incredible cardio and reflex intensive. If you don't believe me, try it some time.

Don't ever count us old guys out. We're more than happy to show you how it's done.

[Stinky The Clown]

4. I still work a full time job that often exceeds 50 hours a week

I tend a hobby farm and maintain three other properties in my spare time.

I LOVE to work and can't imagine not. I ran my last 5K at 74.

[Grins]

5. Doesn't free up the logjam; just the pilot shortage.

United Captain friend forced into retirement by United because he turned 60. Pissed him off for years because he loved his job. Can they still fly? In good physical and mental health - YES!

Pilot’s Union argued that for decades. FAA never agreed.

And now there’s money at stake, so…..

(Used to correspond with a friend who flew his Beechcraft Bonanza all over N. America. He was 95!)

[Just A Box Of Rain]

6. Sounds like a good idea to me

[BlueSpot]

7. What if you're a 65 year old pilot that WANTS to retire?

How would that work if the age is changed?

You worked and planned under these terms. Now, what do you lose if you leave at 65? Do you still get your pension, your insurance and whatever else was included if you don't stay until 67?

I think if they do change it, the penalties should be zero and the rewards mighty. I don't think these pilots owe anything to us. A lot of people got paid to stay home during the pandemic, and that's the only reason I can imagine why someone might think there's a debt to be repaid.

[Stinky The Clown]

9. Uuhhh . . . like any retirement.

You retire when you want. Retire before retirement age, you get less. At age you get what is promised. Retire late, you get more when you do.

Look at how Social Security works as but one example. The key here is one can choose what one wishes to do.

But that isn't what this is about. It is about allowing pilots to choose to work beyond a mandatory retirement age.

[Mariana]

10. The OP says nothing about forcing them to work past 65

to get their retirement benefits. It's about raising the mandatory retirement age, because now they are forced to retire even if they don't want to.

[roamer65]

8. ...

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.



Seriously, yes they should.