Johnson introduces bill to alleviate shortage of commercial pilots

July 26, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C.–South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson has introduced a bill he hopes will alleviate the shortage of commercial pilots in the U.S.

The “Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act” as its called would raise the mandatory retirement age from 65 to 67.

In announcing the bill, Johnson said, “we haven’t even begun to see the worst of the pilot shortage. COVID-19 forced a lot of early retirements, and pilot recruitment is tough. I’ve heard horror stories of South Dakotans missing family weddings due to canceled flights – Americans need reliable travel options. Raising the mandatory retirement age by two years is a safe and effective way to mitigate this shortage.”

A recent study found the pilot shortage in North America is expected to reach over 12,000 pilots by 2023.