The Gist of Bryan Bedford's Comments

The gist of prospective FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford’s comments on the airline pilot retirement age limit during his recent Senate confirmation hearing is that he holds the common-sense opinion that the age should be raised now. He respects that any differences with the international standard pose an inefficiency, but believe these can be worked through and gotten beyond “in a reasonable period of time.”This is all to say that the set of “insurmountable obstacles” to raising the age standard that ALPA previously foisted upon Congress are moving quickly from diminished to non-existent. The potential head of the FAA is clear on the wisdom of promptly raising the age as a matter of practical observation. And he likewise sees the pathway to international harmonization as relatively unchallenged. This is precisely the strategic angle that bore the evolution of EPAS earlier this year, complimenting the continuation of LEPF’s traditional legislative efforts. Times they are a’changing. Let’s make sure the age limit does too!