US pilots may be able to fly on past the age of 60, if new legislation passes successfully.

The law is aimed at overturning the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) compulsory retirement age for pilots of 60 years old.

It would be replaced with a scheme linking commercial pilot retirement age to the social security retirement age.

Backers of the change point out that the current legal age limit was set arbitrarily in 1959.

"Our nation has hundreds of experienced, skilled, and capable pilots. Unfortunately, they cannot fly for any commercial airline because once they turn 60 they are forced to retire," says Congressman Jim Gibbons, who backs the legislation.

"The age 60 rule imposed by the FAA has no basis in science, yet it is still on the books. It is time to rescind this outdated rule and let our most experienced pilots to do their jobs" Gibbons says.

Senator Jim Inhofe adds: "We must protect our most experienced pilots who are in danger of losing their jobs due to the current mandatory retirement age of 60.

Due to thorough physical and mental evaluations in place, we know that these experienced pilots meet the highest qualifications and standards. Americans are living longer, healthier lives and we must take this into consideration."

A similar attempt to raise the FAA's mandatory retirement age was unsuccessful last year.

Source: Flight International