The National Civil Aviation Administration of Argentina (ANAC) recently made a noteworthy update regarding age restrictions for commercial pilots in their airspace. In an announcement made on November 25, 2024, ANAC introduced Resolution 516/2024, modifying the Argentine Civil Aviation Regulations (RAAC) by eliminating the previous age limits of 60 for single-pilot flights and 65 for multi-pilot flights.

ANAC’s decision to remove these age restrictions came as a response to appeals for an extension of the age limit for pilots flying solo on aircraft utilized by commercial air transport companies. The update not only affects single-pilot flights but also applies to multi-pilot journeys conducted within national or international realms.

This progressive move by ANAC parallels a global trend seen in the civil aviation regulations of numerous nations, where the age cap for pilot’s license holders engaging in commercial air transport operations is being raised for national and international flights. The aviation authority explained that the age restrictions were initially established to ensure pilots’ mental and physical well-being, in addition to upholding the rigorous requirements for knowledge, experience, and skills mandated by aeronautical regulatory bodies.

Emphasizing the significance of embracing advancements in the medical field and meeting the escalating demands of the aviation market, the resolution asserted the necessity of reevaluating the age threshold for pilots to continue executing their duties.

Furthermore, on November 20, 2024, a group of United States senators directed correspondence to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Anthony Clare, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Mission to the International Civil Aviation Organization (USICAO), advocating for an extension of the mandatory retirement age for commercial pilots. This aligns with the growing global dialogue surrounding age limits and the evolving landscape of commercial aviation regulations.