Becoming a commercial airline pilot is an exciting career path that allows you to travel and see the world while earning a good living. However, there are regulations on how long a pilot can actively fly passengers. Pilots must retire at age 65 in the United States, but when do most pilots start their careers? How many years can the typical pilot expect to fly commercially before reaching the retirement age? Here is an in-depth look at the career span of a professional airline pilot.
What is the Minimum Age to Become an Airline Pilot?
To become an airline pilot in the United States, you must be at least 23 years old. This is the minimum age set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to qualify for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which is required to be an airline captain or first officer.
There are a few ways to reach the minimum requirements:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in aviation or a related field – This qualifies you for a restricted privileges ATP certificate at age 21.
- Complete 1,500 hours of flight time – This qualifies you for an unrestricted ATP certificate at age 23.
- Complete military flight training and obtain FAA certifications – This can qualify veterans for an ATP certificate before age 23.
Pilots may start flight training at age 18 or younger to meet the experience requirements in their early 20s. However, most aspiring pilots attend college first and complete flight training afterward. The average newly hired first officer is 27 years old.
What is the Mandatory Retirement Age for Airline Pilots?
The maximum age an airline pilot can work is 65 years old. This is the mandatory retirement age set by the FAA for commercial airline pilots in the United States. The rule states:
No person may serve as a pilot on an airplane engaged in operations under this part if that person has reached his or her 65th birthday.
This FAA regulation applies to first officers and captains flying for major airlines, regional carriers, charters, and cargo operators. It went into effect in 2007 to comply with international aviation standards.
Pilots must do their last flight before turning 65, meaning their last day of work could be a day or two before their 65th birthday. There are no exceptions or exemptions to the age 65 rule. When pilots reach this milestone birthday, they are forced to retire from any kind of commercial flying.
Why is There a Mandatory Retirement Age?
The FAA’s age 65 rule for commercial pilots is intended to protect public safety. Factors include:
- Health – The risk of medical issues like heart problems and strokes increases over age 65. Such conditions could suddenly incapacitate a pilot.
- Cognitive Decline – Some loss of cognitive skills like information processing, memory, and alertness may occur around age 65.
- Consistency – The rule established a global standard retirement age adopted by other countries.
According to the FAA, mandatory retirement aims to keep the piloting profession restricted to those most capable of performing safely. However, some argue the cutoff is arbitrary and more individualized assessments would be better.
How Many Years Can You Be an Airline Pilot?
Since pilots must be at least 23 to start and retire at 65, the maximum span of an airline career is 42 years. However, most pilots do not reach the full 42 years before mandatory retirement. Here are some factors that determine a pilot’s career length:
- Military service – Pilots with military experience tend to start earlier.
- Type of airline – Major airline pilots tend to fly longer careers than regional pilots.
- Career advancement – Promotions to captain allow for a longer career.
- Furloughs/layoffs – Economic downturns can force pilots out early.
- Health issues – Medical conditions may lead to an early retirement.
According to a 2022 survey by GoJet Airlines, the average airline pilot retires at age 59 after working 29 years. Here is a breakdown by airline type:
Average Retirement Age by Airline Type
| Airline Type | Average Retirement Age |
|---|---|
| Major airlines | 61 years old |
| Regional airlines | 58 years old |
| Cargo airlines | 60 years old |
As shown, the typical career is longer at major airlines versus regional carriers. This is likely because major airlines offer higher pay rates and better benefits to attract pilots who stay until the mandatory retirement age.
Do Pilots Ever Work Past Age 65?
Once pilots reach age 65, they are prohibited from flying as a captain or first officer on commercial airline flights. However, some pilots continue working in non-passenger carrying roles past the mandatory retirement age, such as:
- Flight instructor – Teach students in small training aircraft.
- Corporate or charter pilot – Fly private business jets.
- Agricultural pilot – Crop dusting and aerial application.
- Glider tow pilot – Tow gliders into the air.
For these types of flying jobs, pilots can often work past age 65 until they no longer pass FAA medical exams. A small number of pilots also gain FAA authorization to continue flying passengers in non-airline operations past age 65 through a special issuance process. But most move on to new careers after retiring from commercial airlines at the mandatory age limit.
How Do Pilots Prepare for Retirement?
To transition smoothly into retirement, pilots do financial and lifestyle planning many years in advance:
- Retirement savings – Pilots contribute to 401(k) plans and set retirement goals decades before the mandatory age.
- New hobbies – Pilots look for fulfilling hobbies and activities to fill time after retirement from flying.
- Second careers – Many get training for an encore career in aviation or a new field.
- Retirement location – Choosing a place to live after retiring from the pilot lifestyle.
Having a post-retirement plan helps pilots transition smoothly when they must cease flying at age 65. Those who fail to prepare adequately may struggle with the loss of identity and lack of structure after leaving aviation.
Can an Airline Pilot Career Be Too Short?
While 42 years from age 23-65 may seem like a long career, some pilots argue that mandatory retirement comes too early. Here are some of the downsides of the age limit:
- Forced retirements create pilot shortages – Airlines struggle to replace highly experienced pilots.
- Age is not always equal to ability – Some pilots are medically fit beyond 65.
- Younger pilots now fill senior roles – Less experienced pilots become captains sooner.
Critics say more flexibility is needed in the system. Options could include:
- Raising the age limit to 68 or 70 years old.
- Permitting waivers for healthy pilots to fly past 65.
- Basing retirement on periodic individual assessments.
More changes may come in the future as pilot retirements continue affecting the aviation industry. Airlines will need to balance safety with operational needs.
Conclusion
Although airline pilots theoretically have careers spanning 23 to 65 years old, the typical career lasts around 30 years. Strict FAA regulations prohibit flying commercially past age 65 to protect public safety. This mandatory retirement age forces most pilots to retire before the full 42-year career span. With careful planning, pilots can make the most of their years flying and prepare for fulfilling retirements and second careers when their time in the skies comes to an end.