Expanded Statement

Experienced Pilots Advancing Safety (EPAS) is dedicated to elevating aviation safety by championing the critical role of highly experienced pilots in America’s flight decks. We believe that one of the most effective and immediate ways to advance aviation safety is to end the forced retirement of our most seasoned aviators due to arbitrary age discrimination rules that are not based on health, merit, or actual flight proficiency14106.Recent trends reveal a troubling surge in safety incidents, which are occurring predominantly among less experienced pilots who lack the benefit of mentorship and guidance from veteran aviators82019. The current influx of minimally experienced pilots-entering the industry at a time when aviation technology and operational complexity are at unprecedented levels-underscores the urgent need for experienced pilot mentors to ensure safe and effective training, decision-making, and emergency response711155.EPAS urges Congress and President Trump to take immediate action to halt the loss of America’s most experienced pilots, who are being forced out of the cockpit just as their expertise is needed most. At this critical juncture, with the largest cohort of new, less experienced pilots entering the workforce and aviation facing its most challenging era, it is imperative to retain and leverage the knowledge, discipline, and judgment that only decades of experience can provide5913.By ending mandatory retirement based solely on age, and by fostering robust mentorship between experienced and new pilots, we can address the root causes of recent safety issues and ensure that America’s skies remain the safest in the world. EPAS stands for a future where safety is advanced not by arbitrary limits, but by the wisdom and leadership of those who have dedicated their lives to aviation.