Fischer Introduces Legislation to Address Pilot Shortage

Press Release

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, joined five of her colleagues in introducing the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act to address airline flight cancellations caused by a shortage of pilots.

The legislation:

Raises the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age from 65 to 67.
Requires that pilots over the age of 65 maintain a first-class medical certification, which must be renewed every six months.
Requires air carriers to continue using pilot training and qualification programs approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Does not change or alter any other qualification -- beyond age -- to become a commercial airline pilot.
"Our nation's air travel system is struggling with a pilot shortage. The lack of available pilots causes flight cancellations and service reductions. This hurts Nebraska airports that rely on the Essential Air Service to stay connected. Raising the retirement age is a common-sense solution that will help to alleviate this crisis," said Senator Fischer.

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