Guessing here, but I suspect the % of people at 65 that can pass 1st class medicals for 2 more years is much lower than the % of people who could pass 1st class medicals at age 60 until 65.

I suspect we left a lot of reasonably healthy talent on the ramp when they hit age 60, there won't be as much at 65.

It's just not the sky is falling situation as some will make it out to be.

You have any numbers on that, even a swag?

My swag: About 60-70% could hold a medical to 67. Assuming they wanted to, vice going out or staying out on LTD.

Maybe half of those would care to do so. A lot less than half if you have to downgrade from international WB flying to stay, which is the case with current ICAO rules. That rule might change quickly if the US went to 67, since we probably account for close to half of the world's airline pilots.

Rick, That is what I thought. I always used a SWAG of 50% overall.

I’ve anecdotally thought the number is probably closer to 50%. Or at least those who can still hold a medical and choose to continue working. But obviously there are plenty who fly part 91 and 135. I can’t find the quotes, but I know there are references to CEOs being against the increase because of the number of older pilots on LTD.

I think Net Jets has something like 10% of its pilots over 65. But those numbers are skewed AGAINST 121, since that’s where those who can still fly go.

I left Intl W/B at 65 in the middle of the Covid craziness, and was glad to put it all behind me. Two years later, I am more fit than I’ve been in a decade. (always ways disciplined about diet and fitness)

Got the offer from United to fly the RJ and turned it down, due to my being soured on the whole industry. Flew some 91 corp jet, part time.

I wouldn’t go back to the grind of a full time schedule again, but would do some kind of part time flying like ferries, test flights, deliveries etc. I’ll be 68 in a few months.

Once you figure out the retirement finances and get used to NOT answering to someone else’s schedule, there’s not much desire to go back. Think about how it feels at the end of a two or three week vacation.

Probably 80% of my retired friends feel the same way.