What is the oldest age to fly plane?

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. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65. However, these pilots may stay on with a Part 121 carrier in some other role, such as flight engineer.



There is no maximum age limit for private pilots in the United States, provided they can pass the required FAA medical examinations to prove they are physically and mentally fit to fly. However, for commercial airline pilots (Part 121 operations), there is a mandatory retirement age of 65. This "Age 65 Rule" is a standard safety regulation intended to mitigate risks associated with age-related health declines in high-capacity public transport. Some countries and certain types of charter operations (Part 135) have slightly different rules, and there is ongoing legislative debate about potentially raising the commercial limit further, but as of 2026, the 65-year cap remains the firm standard for major US airlines.

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“Safety considerations drove the establishment of the current international standard of age 65 mandatory retirement, and raising the pilot retirement age would introduce additional risk into commercial aviation,” said Capt. Ed Sicher, the Allied Pilots Association's president.

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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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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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Retirement values for a 35-year airline pilot career range from $1.8 million to over $3 million at the US major airlines. Retirement benefits are estimated at either 7.5 percent of the defined benefit program, if one is provided, or three percent of the final annual salary.

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The Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, which reauthorizes funding for the Federal Aviation Administration and aviation safety and infrastructure programs for the next five years, includes an amendment that would raise the mandatory retirement age for pilots from 65 to 67.

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Annual Pilot Salary Range How Much Do Pilots Make an Hour? » According to The May 2021 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for commercial pilots is $99,640 per year. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers is $202,180.

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Bottom line: You're never too old to travel.

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There is no minimum age when it comes to learning how to operate an aircraft. Some people start training with a qualified instructor as young as 11 or 12 years old. However, there is an age requirement for obtaining a student pilot license.

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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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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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There are many studies and debates around whether pilots have a shorter life expectancy because of their occupation. According to a study in the U.S., the average life expectancy is 70 for males and 75 for females, while this drops to 67 for pilots.

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The short answer is yes – the majority of airlines offer free flights as an employee benefit for pilots and often for their immediate family members. Before applying to an airline for a pilot position, be sure to ask about employee benefits in addition to pilot salary.

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As an airline pilot, you can receive up to 16% non-elective contributions in your 401k, depending on the airline.

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A flight instructor job at one of the larger flight training facilities is a great job for retired airline pilots who want a fixed schedule and enjoy teaching. This is also a great way to gain a type rating in a corporate jet to set yourself up for future job opportunities, like contract work.

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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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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. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65. However, these pilots may stay on with a Part 121 carrier in some other role, such as flight engineer.

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