Pilot Shortage ‘Nightmare’ Spurs Bid to Raise Retirement Age (1)

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is introducing legislation to increase the retirement age for commercial pilots to 67 from 65, as airlines contend with labor shortages that have caused them to trim their flight schedules.

The older retirement age is backed by some aviation groups facing labor challenges, but is opposed by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and pilot unions over safety concerns. Graham’s measure, called the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act, would mandate that pilots older than 65 maintain first-class medical certification and require air carriers to continue training approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

“We just don’t have enough pilots ...