How likely do you think it is that the mandatory retirement age will be raised?
Thanks
Robert,
Honestly I don’t know? There’s no question there’s a worldwide pilot shortage and adding a couple of year could help, but not much. First the age right now is 65 and most of the pilots I know retire before then (62 seems to be the magic # for many). Second how many pilots would be able to keep their medicals to age 67? Go visit the airport and take a look at the condition of some of our Sky Gods. I wonder how many of these people live to 60 let alone keep a medical. In order to cause the FAA to make a rule change there a) needs to be a need (reason), but b) the proposed solution needs to have a significant effect on the problem and I just don’t believe another 2yrs will fix much. But I could be wrong.
Adam
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Based on your observations of pilots retiring before 65, how should the retirement numbers from the big three be interpreted? Does it mean those retirement numbers will hit sooner?
Robert
Robert,
Most pilots that I know retire right at age 65, very few seem to go early at my airline. I would plan on the retirement numbers staying exactly the same as predicted.
I also do not see the age 65 retirement numbers changing anytime soon. There has been no talk about it from the FAA or ALPA, I think it is just wishful thinking on some of the older pilots part.
Chris
Robert,
ALL the numbers put out by the Big 3 are “projections” based on past experience and actually mandatories. While there’s no way of them being exact, I’d say they’re probably pretty accurate.
Adam
With the shortage of pilots would that make it easier to get a job with a major airline?
Brandon,
Are you asking if the pilot shortage in general makes it easier to a get a job with a Major or if they increased the age to 67 as is the title of this thread?
I’ll assume you mean the shortage and sure there’s a greater demand and that will create more slots. That said getting hired by a Major will never be “easy”.
Adam
Brandon,
The pilot shortage certainly generates movement in the pilot ranks and thus open positions at the airlines, but the majors will continue to be highly selective. Shortage or not, this is a job that brings with it a huge amount of responsibility, companies have to be selective.
Chris
There is rumor that FAA is almost done their study to raise the airline part121 pilot retirement age to 68 with restrictions on monthly/yearly max flying hours. COVID-19 has some part to play in the delay…
I know the ICAO was doing some research on the subject but that was 2yrs ago. You have any references or just pilots talking?
Adam
On the face value, you can take it as pilot-talk for now, my AME mentioned it couple of times that FAA is looking into it, other entities such as ATA,A4A and Unions will influence the outcome.
KS,
I have heard absolutely nothing about this, from the company, union, FAA or the media. I highly doubt it will happen.
Chris