The Department for Transport (DfT) is working with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on potentially adjusting the retirement age for commercial pilots to bridge the gap to state pension age (SPA).

Currently, commercial pilots are required to retire once they reach 65, while the SPA is set to rise to 66 in October 2020, to 67 between 2026 and 2028, and to 68 between 2037 and 2039.

Therefore, under current rules, pilots retiring after 2039 could have to wait up to three years before they are eligible to receive their state pension.

In an answer to a written question posed by Baroness Jenny Randerson, Transport Minister for Roads and Security, Baroness Charlotte Vere of Norbiton, acknowledged the financial impact this could have on some pilots.

“The DfT is aware of the difference between the maximum age for commercial pilots and the state pension age, and of the financial impact this could have on some people,” she stated.

“The government is determined to ensure equal employment opportunities are available to all, regardless of age.

“The department is working with the CAA to explore whether there is a safety case for increasing the maximum age for commercial pilots and is also considering the approach that other regulators are taking in Europe on this issue.”

Share Story: