Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn, Mark Kelly, John Thune, Joe Manchin, and Lindsey Graham have urged the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Mission to the International Civil Aviation Organization (USICAO) to support raising the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age. The senators sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and USICAO Chargé d’Affaires Anthony Clare advocating for this change.

The letter highlights concerns about international aviation standards, particularly in light of the Chinese Communist Party's influence in global organizations. "We are writing to urge the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Mission to the International Civil Aviation Organization (USICAO) to actively participate in and support the effort along with other ICAO member states—to raise the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age standard," they stated.

The proposal is backed by data indicating that experienced pilots have fewer accidents than their junior counterparts. The senators argue that raising or eliminating the current recommended retirement age of 65 would enhance safety by retaining experienced pilots on flight decks worldwide.

"During the 14th Air Navigation Conference held this year… the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) advanced formal action directed at raising or even eliminating the institution’s recommended pilot retirement age of 65 years," they noted, emphasizing that many countries already allow pilots over 65 without compromising safety.

The letter also stresses that USICAO should not remain passive in this debate, warning against ceding leadership to China. "If the United States cedes our leadership role in this space on the international stage, we know that China—who is presently and actively joining our partners to advocate for raising the pilot retirement age—will gladly fill that void," they warned.

The full text of their letter is available for public viewing.