EPAS May 2026 Update
Over the past several years, EPAS has maintained a disciplined and methodical strategy focused on one objective: restoring experience, safety, and fairness to the professional pilot workforce by eliminating the arbitrary age-65 mandatory retirement rule.As we are all aware, there are currently numerous international "balls in the air," and global focus has frequently shifted toward these emerging issues. However, we must look at the "signal through the noise."
While headlines fluctuate, the fundamental mission to modernize pilot retirement remains a critical pillar of aviation safety and workforce stability.The pilot shortage of "experienced and capable" pilots has never been more critical than today. We see this reflected in persistent staffing issues, aggressive hiring cycles, and the "death by a thousand cuts" regarding aviation mishaps currently plaguing our industry. EPAS has remained committed to a long-term forensic approach that filters out the distractions and focuses on the core developments that will solve these crises.Today, three major signals are converging simultaneously validating the strategic framework EPAS established years ago.
1. The International Pathway (ICAO WP106)The international pathway continues to advance through ICAO Working Paper 106 (WP106). EPAS recognized early that lasting change cannot occur solely through domestic legislation. Because ICAO standards directly influence international legislation and operations, we have consistently emphasized that reform requires engagement at the international governance level first. Our persistence with WP106 ensures that domestic changes will be supported by global standards.
2. Executive LeadershipThe President of the United States has nominated an Ambassador to ICAO who understands and recognizes the issues at hand. Captain Jeff Anderson knows the operational realities of commercial aviation and supports the integration of experienced aviators. His leadership would provide the U.S. with a strong, pro-aviation voice at the ICAO Council table, ensuring that American interests are no longer sidelined by foreign bureaucracies.
3. Legislative House and Senate AlignmentsFor the first time in this fight, both the House and the Senate have taken time to introduce legislation to raise the pilot’s retirement age. EPAS has been instrumental in this result, providing the technical expertise to move the needle. Following the reintroduction of the Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act (H.R. 5523) by Representative Troy Nehls, the introduction of a companion bill in the U.S. Senate introduced by senators Grahm and Kelly that this has evolved into a serious, bipartisan national priority.
A disciplined approach to raising the Age:
EPAS has been deeply engaged throughout this process, working effectively behind the scenes through research, policy engagement, and direct legislative advocacy. Our organization has approached this issue professionally, factually, and strategically.
Our position remains firm:
Maintain existing medical, training, and proficiency standards.
Prioritize safety by retaining our most experienced mentors.
End arbitrary age discrimination that removes highly qualified pilots from service.These efforts are not isolated developments.
These are the three interconnected points of the EPAS strategy. Together, they form the comprehensive framework necessary to achieve a durable modernization of the pilot retirement age.
The signals are clear. We need to pay attention and focus effort. All hands on the rope, brothers and sisters!
EPAS Leadership Team