AINsight: Cognitive Decline in Aging Pilots | Aviation International News

AINsight: Cognitive Decline in Aging Pilots

A proposed bill in Congress would raise the mandatory retirement age for airline pilots from 65 to 67 without first examining the effects of aging.

A proposed bill in Congress would raise the mandatory retirement age for airline pilots from 65 to 67 without first examining the effects of aging. (Photo: Wikimedia)

By Stuart “Kipp” Lau • Contributor - Safety

October 28, 2022

Congress is debating raising the mandatory retirement age of airline pilots to curb flight cancellations caused by a shortage of pilots. The legislation—called “Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act”—introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and five other Republican Senators is a “stopgap” measure that would keep airline pilots on the flightdeck for two additional years, raising the mandatory retirement age from 65 to 67 years of age.

If this proposal becomes law, there will be no changes to current medical certification standards, such as assessments of cognitive abilities, for these older pilots. Likewise, there are no proposed changes to pilot training and qualification programs.

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The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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Stuart “Kipp” Lau

Contributor - Safety

About the author

Pilot, safety expert, consultant, and aviation journalist Stuart “Kipp” Lau writes about flight safety and airmanship for AIN.

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