Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Nehls
In Committee
Summary
Raises the federal age limit for pilots in multicrew covered operations from 65 to 67. The bill would let some older pilots return to multicrew service and sets medical, training, and labor rules to guide that change.
Show full summary
- Pilots: A pilot who is over 65 on enactment could return to multicrew flights and serve until age 67. Pilots age 60 or older must hold a first-class medical certificate and that certificate expires six months after the exam.
- Air carriers and unions: Changes to labor contracts and benefit plans to match the new age limit must be made by agreement between the carrier and the pilots' designated bargaining representative. Actions taken in conformity with this law or its implementing rules would not be a basis for liability in employment proceedings.
- Safety and FAA oversight: Age alone cannot justify different medical standards unless the Federal Aviation Administration determines a safety need. Required safety training remains under FAA-approved pilot training and qualification programs, and the FAA must report within 180 days on whether to raise the age limit further.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Airline pilots could fly until 67
If enacted, pilots in multicrew, Part 121 operations could fly until age 67. If you were over 65 on the enactment date, you could return to duty until 67. This would not apply in a foreign country that bans it, or in international airspace if it is not in line with the Annexes to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. FAA regulations would be treated as updated on the enactment date. The FAA would send Congress a report within 180 days on whether to raise the age further.
Medical and training rules for older pilots
If enacted, pilots age 60 or older would need a first-class medical certificate to fly in covered operations. That certificate would expire on the last day of the 6‑month period after the exam date. Airlines would have to keep using FAA‑approved pilot training and qualification programs. Older pilots could not face different or extra medical tests just because of age, unless the FAA later finds new data showing extra checks are needed for safety.
Union OK and legal shield for pilots
If enacted, any changes to pilot labor contracts or benefit plans needed to match this bill would require agreement between the airline and the pilots’ union. Actions taken in line with this section or its rules could not be used as a basis for employment‑law lawsuits, including some actions taken before enactment that matched the earlier rule.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Nehls
TX • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
WI • R
Sponsored 9/23/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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