Manchin Introduces Bipartisan Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) introduced the bipartisan Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act to address the ongoing national pilot shortage that has led to recent spikes in flight cancellations, delays and service disruptions in West Virginia and across the country. The legislation raises the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67 while maintaining the requirements for first-class medical and training certifications.

 

“Our country continues to face a severe pilot shortage that has led to recent spikes in flight cancellations and delays, disrupting travel plans for millions of Americans,” said Senator Manchin. “In West Virginia, our airports are our gateways to the rest of the world, and unfortunately, we have lost a number of flights over the last year due to these shortages. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to raise the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots from 65 to 67, while maintaining the current requirements for first-class medical and training certifications. This commonsense reform will help ensure air service is safe, reliable and efficient while addressing the pilot shortage.”

Senator Manchin was joined by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mark Kelly (D- AZ) and Deb Fischer (R-NE).