Let Experienced Pilots Fly
NOTAM #29
“EXPERIENCE MATTERS”
January 17, 2026
This update includes:
**In 2026, we find ourselves with renewed resolve:
- We have worked strategically since our inception, building relationships and credibility on the Hill and with members of the former and current administrations. This work continues every day.
- We have faced setbacks and challenges with transparency and grace, relying on the expertise of lobbyists, our lawyer, and LEPF leaders and members with experience in this realm. We have burned no bridges, but also never backed down from the obstacles in this hard fight – such as proving ALPA’s disinformation campaign against us and continually educating officials about it.
- We will not STOP until this fight for the right to work is over – which means, as forcefully as we handled the challenges during the FAA Reauthorization, and Commerce Committee votes, as hard as we work every single day seizing in-person opportunities during the government shutdown; being active during the budget Continuing Resolution discussions; and being present at hearings to confirm both the Transportation Secretary and FAA Administrator, WE REMAIN RESOLUTE.
- Once elected officials start focusing on their campaigns for reelections (all of the House and 1/3 of the Senate) this Spring/Summer, our challenge to get a bill introduced, supported, and passed becomes even more daunting. WE WILL NOT STOP.
- WE ARE OPTIMISTIC that our hard work will culminate, in the coming weeks, with a Senate bill (companion to Rep. Nehls’ bill), introduced.
- At that time, we will move forward with our next DC FLY IN, among other initiatives. This will once again be a very strategic effort – utilizing YOU ALL WHO HAVE
- VOLUNTEERED as constituents of key members, to meet us in DC for face to face meetings.
For those reasons, and others, our top three priorities in 2026 are clear: Continued pressure on bill re-introduction, transparency – communicating with members often and accurately, followed by recruitment, revenue, and retention. Let’s break them down:
- Our membership is starting to grow among the <58 age group – those pilots who realize that if our efforts don’t succeed NOW, they may not win back the right to work as long as they are able and want to. 2026 is predicted by the U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to be another large “cliff year” of those turning 65.
- About 70% of our members are in the 60+ age group. This means if they turn 65 while this fight continues, they become less active and unfortunately, less likely to contribute.
- Fortunately, for every pilot that joins us at 63 ½ years of age, makes a modest one or two time financial contribution, and then leaves us when turning 65 – saying “you didn’t get this done in time for me, so thank you and goodbye” – there are others who redouble their commitment and set up a subscription – a more modest, but reliable monthly donation – and who also engage with the PAC. You continue to make donations AND volunteer to make calls and visits in your states/districts with your Senators and Congressman, as well as DC visits. Some serve on our Board, even after being fired for simply having a birthday. THANK YOU, ALL!
- RECRUITMENT of new members is critical, given the organic lifecycle of membership. Please help make sure every pilot who has contributed to unions that don’t support their right to work after 65 years of age is educated about the realities. This pilot population MUST be educated by their peers about how this arbitrary, antiquated 2007 law must go away or be changed, and how this is a “heavy lift” that you’ve been engaged in for three years. Continue to spread the word about joining us at raisethepilotage.com
- REVENUE – We need to grow our ratio of member-donors from about half of our members carrying the financial load for the entire operation. As a non-profit (not a charity, but a business association) we are 100% volunteer and all of our expenses for the expertise we mentioned above is made possible by donations from members. In 2026 we will work towards achieving our goal of 80%+ of all members also among the ranks of financial supporters.
- RETENTION – we know retirement changes income, for many it is a dramatic decrease for which some aren’t fully prepared. We empathize and understand that it is devastating for some. But by staying involved with LEPF as retirement nears and passes, you are invaluable to the cause by educating younger pilots to the injustice of this ridiculous law that increases the inherent risk in a system that relies on those with far less experience than you possess. You represent both incalculable operational expertise, but each of you possess irrefutable history (knowledge and expertise) with your carriers, unions, market forces impacting careers, and as aviation leaders. Please hang in there with us, as we pledge to hang in there until this is done!
Wishing all a Happy and Healthy New Year and may 2026 be the year we see our David and Goliath battle result in the just outcome it deserves!
**If you have retired, applied for employment and rejected, we want to hear your story. If you have written to ALPA (your council reps, national officers, or the ALPA president himself) we want to hear your story, as well.
Please send your narratives to raisethepilotage@gmail.com for our data collection.
We appreciate your efforts in helping us help you!
There is no better investment into your financial future than helping us help you. We are all unpaid volunteers, some of us already retired, but passionate about our work. We need your financial contributions to get this over the line.
Please contribute HERE
Thank you for your continued support.
The burden of proof should be on the agencies that restrict the pilot license privileges at a certain age, to justify why they do so, because EXPERIENCE MATTERS!
In Unity,
Let Experienced Pilots Fly