West Houston News

WASHINGTON, D.C.– On June 14, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) announced that his bill, the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act, was filed as an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization during the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Markup. This bill would allow commercial pilots to continue flying until they reach the age of 67 while adhering to the same rigorous health and safety standards.

Simply put, this bill directly addresses the most glaring pilot shortage in living memory in the United States. The pilot shortage has resulted in airlines canceling thousands of flights and leaving thousands of travelers inconvenienced and stranded. While commercial airline pilots are currently mandated to retire at 65, these same pilots that are forced to retire can still fly corporate and charter jets beyond the age of 65.

“I’m proud that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee included my legislation, the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act, within the FAA Reauthorization,” said Congressman Nehls. “As the United States faces the worst pilot shortage in recent memory, it is important that our nation’s airlines are fully staffed to avoid flight cancellations and that every person flying makes it to their destinations safely and efficiently. I would like to thank Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX-21) for introducing this legislation last Congress. Additionally, I want to commend Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO-06) and Chairman Garrett Graves (R-LA-06) for continuing to work with me and the thousands of supportive pilots on this critical issue.”

Original source can be found here.