During the covid lockdown airlines offered early retirement to pilots causing them now to cancel flights. The airline pilot shortage could put a crimp in your vacation plans. Aviation expert Jay Ratliff: "We have never experienced before --- EVER --- such a tremendous shortage of pilots. Southwest Airlines is saying they are forced to trim 20,000 flights off of their summer travel schedule because of the shortage of pilots!" He says the FAA forcing them to retire at 65 (no matter their expertise or physical or mental health) is part of the problem. Ratliff is happy to hear Senator Lindsey Graham indicate he is prepared to introduce legislation that would push the age up to 67.
Baby Boomer Retirements Leading to Pilot Shortage
Ratliff is glad to hear it.. "Many 65 year old pilots I know are in great mental and physical health. Why not allow that experience and expertise remain in the cockpit!?!" Ratliff says the summer will be tight. "Travel season that's upon us is predicting more people flying possibly than we ever have before! And a time that we have had fewer flights for that number of people!"
Ratliff says the airlines could be against it because they would have to pay senior staff more salary for 2 more years. But - they're losing income with all the canceled flights...
Photo:GettyImages
Pilot shortage this summer.Photo: Getty Images