Lindsey Graham (R-SC)
Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act aims to amend title 49 of the United States Code regarding pilot retirement ages. It raises the age for pilots serving in multicrew covered operations to 67 years of age. Air carriers may also choose to implement an age restriction of 70 years for certain operations. The bill includes specific rules for how these changes apply to existing pilots and how medical standards are handled. It also addresses how labor agreements may be amended to comply with the new standards.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill allows pilots to continue working and earning income until age 67.
- Scored +3
Would union members be better off under this?
The bill addresses labor agreements and provides a framework for how new age standards interact with existing pilot employment.
- Scored +2
Would high-income households be better off under this?
Professional pilots often fall into higher income brackets, and this allows them to extend their earning years.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Extended Career Longevity: Pilots engaged in multicrew covered operations may serve until they reach 67 years of age instead of the previous limit (Section 2, subsection a).
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Medical Standard Consistency: Pilots will not be subject to different or more frequent medical examinations due to their age, unless the FAA Administrator determines it is necessary for safety based on new data (Section 2, subsection f, paragraph 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on New Hires: Pilots who are newly hired after the act is enacted may not receive credit for prior seniority or longevity for benefits or other terms related to length of service (Section 2, subsection d, paragraph 1, subparagraph B).
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Air Carrier Election Restrictions: Air carriers that elect to implement an age restriction of 70 years may not terminate that election once it has taken effect (Section 2, subsection a).
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Medical Certificate Requirements: Pilots who have reached 60 years of age must hold a first-class medical certificate, which expires on the last day of the 6-month period following the date of examination (Section 2, subsection f, paragraph 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill allows pilots to continue working and earning income until age 67. Would union members be better off under this? — The bill addresses labor agreements and provides a framework for how new age standards interact with existing pilot employment. Would high-income households be better off under this? — Professional pilots often fall into higher income brackets, and this allows them to extend their earning years.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — By raising the retirement age for pilots, the bill allows older pilots to remain in the workforce longer.
- 6/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/11/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Chuck GrassleyRepublican · Iowa
Mark KellyDemocrat · Arizona