The mandatory retirement age for airline pilots in the United States is set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at 65 years old. However, there are some exceptions that allow certain pilots to fly until an older age under specific circumstances.
FAA Mandatory Retirement Age
The FAA requires all airline pilots to retire at age 65. This regulation applies to pilots operating under Part 121 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, which covers the major airlines, regional carriers, and charter operators. The mandatory retirement age was increased from 60 to 65 in 2007 after studies showed that experienced pilots in good health were still fully capable of flying safely up to age 65.
The reasoning behind having a set retirement age is to ensure a basic level of pilot health, fitness, and capabilities for passenger safety. Factors like cognitive decline, fatigue, and decreased physical health are more likely to occur at older ages and could impact piloting abilities. Mandatory retirement aims to prevent any risks to the traveling public.
Exceptions to Allow Flying to Age 67
There are some limited exceptions that allow airline pilots to continue flying past the standard retirement age of 65. Pilots can apply for an exemption from the FAA to continue as a pilot in command (PIC) until age 67 if they meet certain criteria:
- The pilot must hold an unrestricted first-class medical certificate and have it renewed every 6 months.
- The pilot’s airline must submit a training program to the FAA showing how the pilot will maintain proficiency. This includes simulator training sessions.
- The pilot must have a good performance record and not have any limitations to their medical or aviation certificates.
If a pilot receives this exemption, they can continue serving as PIC until no later than the last day of the month in which they turn 67 years old. After age 67, no further extensions are allowed.
Requirements to Fly as Second in Command
After a pilot turns 65, they cannot continue operating as the PIC, or captain, of an airliner. However, the FAA does allow pilots to fly as a Second in Command (SIC), or co-pilot, with a reduced retirement age.
To continue working as an SIC up to age 67, pilots must:
- Maintain at least a Second Class medical certificate
- Undergo specific SIC training
- Fly with a PIC under age 60
This allows pilots to take advantage of their experience and continue making valuable contributions to airline safety while in a support role. Many pilots choose to downgrade to SIC near retirement so they can keep flying as long as possible.
Age 67 Cutoff
Once a pilot reaches age 67, they are no longer permitted to operate any commercial airliner, regardless of whether they are acting as PIC or SIC. There are no extensions permitted beyond the last day of the month in which the pilot turns 67.
The age 67 cutoff was set recognizing that at some point, age starts impacting piloting skills and abilities necessary for passenger airline duties, regardless of health or capabilities. Mandatory retirement aims to keep the highest levels of airline safety.
Retirement Age for International Flights
For pilots operating international flights to other countries, the retirement age may vary. Many countries follow the U.S. age 65 rule. But some nations set different limitations, ranging from age 60 to 67 for their pilots.
For U.S. pilots of international flights, the most restrictive requirement applies. So for flights to a country requiring pilot retirement at age 60, a 62 year old American pilot could not serve as PIC on those routes.
Pilots at Regional and Cargo Airlines
The same retirement age limits apply to pilots flying for regional airlines and cargo airlines as those flying for major passenger airlines. Regional airline pilots operating smaller jets and turboprops under Part 121 must retire at age 65 or 67 if they receive an exemption.
Cargo pilots hauling freight and packages fall under the same FAA regulations for retirement. So cargo airline pilots must also retire at 65/67 like passenger airline pilots.
Retirement Age for Military Pilots
Military pilots serving in the U.S. Armed Forces branches like the Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army, and Coast Guard have different requirements for retirement age than civilian airline pilots.
The mandatory retirement age for active duty military pilots is generally younger than for commercial airline pilots:
- Air Force pilots: Retire at age 56-57
- Navy and Marine pilots: Retire at age 62
- Army and Coast Guard pilots: Retire at age 60-62
Military pilots are subject to physical fitness tests and are often effectively forced to retire earlier than civilian pilots. Many retired military pilots pursue second careers flying for the airlines after meeting the civilian pilot requirements.
When Do Private and Charter Pilots Retire?
Unlike airline pilots, there is no mandated retirement age for private pilots who fly small general aviation aircraft or charter pilots flying business jets. The FAA does not enforce any retirement limit for non-commercial pilots.
For private pilots, as long as they maintain a current medical certificate and meet the flight review and currency requirements in FAR Part 61 to act as pilot in command, they can continue flying past age 65 or even up to age 80, 90 or beyond.
Some charter operators have company policies requiring pilot retirement at a certain age, often aligning with airline limits. But it is not universally enforced for non-airline pilots.
Conclusion
In summary, the FAA requires airline pilots to retire at age 65, with the possibility of extensions up to age 67 in specific cases. All airline pilots must cease flying at age 67 for safety reasons. Private, charter, and military pilots fall under different requirements allowing for longer or shorter flying careers after age 65.