WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) today said he was pleased to see Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Marion Blakey announce a new rulemaking proposal to raise the retirement age of commercial pilots to 65.  The proposed rule would make the U.S. policy consistent with international commercial pilot age standards established by the International Civil Aeronautics Organization.  That standard allows one pilot to be up to age 65 provided the other pilot is under age 60.

 

“I applaud the Administrator’s bold move today,” said Senator Stevens (R-Alaska). “We have been working together on this issue for some time and after a careful examination of the issue, I believe the FAA will see the merit in retaining our most experienced Alaskan and national pilots.”   

 

 The FAA indicates they plan to issue a formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) later this year and will publish a final rule after careful consideration of all public comments, as required by law.