Let Experienced Pilots Fly
Experience Matters
Dear Colleagues,
A quick trip down memory lane:
In mid 2021, at the time with American Airlines, Captain Barry Kendrick was approaching his retirement and decided to approach his congressman, Chip Roy, in his state of Texas.
In the Spring of 2022, Barry met with Rep. Roy and was asked to name the bill, considering his intimate involvement in the development of the language. Barry met with Senator Graham to help craft the senate version.
The senator and the congressman agreed to partner in the introduction of the bill and usher it through the legislative process. After a few meetings, Congressman Roy introduced a bill in the US House of Representatives titled the “Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act”. Senator Graham introduced the same bill in the senate. In July of 2022, the “Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act” was introduced in both chambers of congress. This bill has served as the namesake of our organization.
In January 2023 Let Experienced Pilots Fly, Inc. was officially established as a not-for-profit corporation with the sole purpose of RTA.
We all know the history since then, with the bill re-introduced in 2023-2024, by Congressman Nehls and Senator Graham, and how close we came last year to raising the age to 67.
Our current relationships with elected representatives in congress, federal department secretaries, agency administrators, congressional staff, media outlets, even those close to the POTUS is how our mission will come to a winning conclusion.
While we continue to garner support from more and more FAA AMEs nationwide, and other organizations such as RAA and AARP, etc. all the while partnering with IATA at ICAO and E-RAA along with EASA in the EU, we are laser focused on the US Congress to lead in this effort to RTA. We will not be deterred or distracted by anything.
During the course of 2025, given the many incidents and accidents, more aviation safety advocates are raising the issue of experience levels and judgment.
The following is an article that just came out in Flying Magazine regarding the momentum LEPF has created going into this 119th Congress. Make no mistake, LEPF is the driving force behind the effort to RTA.
We wanted to get this to you ASAP, as it was just published last week. It is written by retired American Airlines Capt. Les Abend.
https://www.flyingmag.com/should-maximum-age-requirement-even-exist-for-airline-pilots/.
For those that are still considering a financial contribution to LEPF, you can become part of the team with this link: raisethepilotage.com
Thank you for your donations, support, and your continued involvement in fighting this discrimination on our profession. We shall prevail. Experience Matters!