Argentina lifts maximum age restriction for commercial pilots

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Argentina lifts maximum age restriction for commercial pilots

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Nov 28, 2024

Argentina's aviation regulator has decided to remove the age cap for commercial pilots, allowing them to continue flying without mandatory retirement. Previously, Argentina enforced an age limit of 60 for single-pilot operations and 65 for multi-pilot operations. This change aligns with international discussions about raising the pilot retirement age.

The National Civil Aviation Administration of Argentina (ANAC) announced Resolution 516/2024, which amends the Argentine Civil Aviation Regulations (RAAC) to eliminate age restrictions on commercial pilots. ANAC explained that this will "increase the age limit for the holder of a pilot’s license to exercise his powers in commercial air transport operations on national and international flights."

The decision was influenced by advancements in medical technology and industry demand. ANAC stated, "With advances in medicine in general, and the need to have pilots to meet the growing demand of the aeronautical market, it is necessary to reevaluate the age limit at which pilot’s license holders can exercise their functions."

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Despite removing the age cap, stringent conditions remain for maintaining a pilot license, including medical and airline evaluations. Argentina's previous age restrictions were implemented in 2010 following recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which advises an upper age limit of 60 for single pilots and 65 for multi-crew operations.

Globally, most aviation regulators adhere to ICAO's recommendations. For instance, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates retirement at 65 but allows continued flying outside Part 121 carriers. However, there are ongoing discussions about increasing this limit due to pilot shortages and medical advancements.

At ICAO's Air Navigation Conference this summer, raising the global pilot retirement age was discussed. In February, a motion in Congress to increase the US retirement age from 65 to 67 was rejected despite ongoing efforts by some US senators who argue that "the American public deserves the most qualified and experienced pilots when traveling."