Right now, a dangerous proposal is gaining steam, one that could put millions of airline passengers at risk.

Senator Ted Cruz is urging President Trump to back a plan that would raise the mandatory retirement age for airline pilots from 65 to 67, even though the U.S. Congress already rejected this idea just last year.

This isn’t just a bureaucratic debate. It’s about safety in the skies.

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents thousands of pilots, strongly opposes this change—and for good reason. Scientific studies and FAA guidance have warned of increased health risks and declines in cognitive ability as pilots age. The current age limit exists because international and domestic aviation rules recognize the physical and mental demands of flying commercial aircraft.

These aren't desk jobs. They require razor-sharp reflexes, complex decision-making, and sustained focus—especially in high-pressure or emergency situations.

The U.S. leads the world in aviation safety. That leadership is no accident, it's built on decades of carefully considered regulations like the current retirement age. Weakening those standards to serve airline lobbyists or political agendas is reckless and short-sighted.

Supporters of the change claim it’s about keeping “qualified” pilots flying longer. But safety experts, international regulators, and the FAA all agree: we should not move forward without rigorous, science-based analysis first—and that hasn’t happened.

We’re calling on President Donald Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford to reject this risky proposal at the upcoming UN aviation meeting. Stand with passengers, not airline profits. Protect the safety of our skies by keeping the retirement age for pilots at 65.

 
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