Air travel today is a nightmare for many travelers. The problem has been exacerbated by pilot shortages that are affected by a mandatory retirement age of 65.
The Department of Transportation could provide instant relief by recommending that the Biden administration issue a transportation emergency declaration. This executive order could be drafted to extend commercial pilot employment based on the successful completion of a physical examination every 6 months. Extended employment could be limited to age 68.
The FAA cannot amend the retirement age. Only Congress or the administration through an executive order can amend the retirement age. If the process is dragged through the bureaucratic mud of this congress, nothing will happen. This needs to happen now.
Rand Marcus, Millcreek