What is the age limit for NetJets?

NetJets Pilots Union Accepts Age 70 Mandatory Retirement - FLYING Magazine.



As of early 2026, NetJets—the world’s largest fractional aircraft operator—enforces a mandatory retirement age of 70 for its pilots. This policy was formally implemented in early 2024 following years of debate and a legal challenge from pilots who sought to block the age cap. While the FAA traditionally mandates a retirement age of 65 for commercial airline pilots (Part 121), private and fractional operators like NetJets (which operate under Part 91K and Part 135) previously had no federal age limit. The move to age 70 was a strategic decision by NetJets, backed by certain labor agreements, to ensure long-term safety and operational stability. Pilots who reach this age are removed from active flight schedules but may be eligible to transition into non-flying roles within the company, such as flight instructors or safety coordinators. This policy remains a point of significant discussion in the aviation industry as other operators weigh the benefits of experienced senior pilots against the safety considerations associated with aging flight crews.

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NetJets pilots who hope to keep working well into their 60s might be in luck after a federal proposal to mandate their retirement at 65 was revised to 70. Rep.

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In the U.S., there are no FAA age limits for pilots except for commercial airline pilots employed by airlines certificated under 14 CFR Part 121.

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Myth: ALPA had no issue with raising to 65, why 67? Fact: In 2007, the FAA raised the pilot upper age limit age to 65 to align with ICAO standards, which were already at 65.

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Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)—a specialized unit of the U.N.—that has set an upper limit for pilot flying at age 65. As a result, flying through international airspace—including routes prized by senior pilots—will be off-limits to pilots over age 65.

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As we mentioned before, it will take you between two and three years to become an airline transport pilot if you start pilot school without having any prior flight experience. Every time that you start working for a new airline, you will need to begin as a first officer. You can then focus on working your way up.

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Currently, while the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards allow a person between the age of 60 and 65 to serve as pilot in command (PIC) of an airplane with two or more pilots, in international commercial air transport operations, the PIC must be paired with a pilot younger than 60 years of age.

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Flight times within the duty periods are restricted to a maximum of 8 hours for flight crews consisting of one pilot and 10 hours for flight crews consisting of two pilots. The 8-hour and 10-hour flight time limitations include any additional commercial flying performed by the flight crew during the period.

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Smith explained that after the global financial crisis pensions went away for airline pilots, but a non-elective contribution was added to their 401(k) plans. This non-elective contribution is now around 17% of their income (for the major airlines) added to the 401(k) plan for every pilot, he noted.

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If you are older than 75, the federal Transportation Safety Agency will make special accommodations for you when it comes to going through security. However, you may experience some delay if you have a wearable medical device or medical equipment, which must get checked separately.

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In late 1959, the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) released its “Age 60 Rule,” which provided that pilots over 60 could not participate in “part 121 operations.” These operations include piloting large commercial passenger aircraft, smaller propeller aircraft with 10 or more passenger seats, and common carriage operations ...

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The last time Congress raised the pilot retirement age was in 2007 when it was raised from 60 to 65.

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Yes, airplane pilots can wear glasses. (And many do.) If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, you can still become a commercial, private, or military pilot. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the military have certain minimum standards for prospective pilots.

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Not to mention exposure to radiation, pressure changes, high levels of stress, and sitting for hours at a time. These factors can speed up the aging process for many pilots and research suggests they often die younger than the average population, particularly after retirement.

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