© Reuters. Senator John Thune (R-SD) speaks to reporters after the weekly senate party caucus luncheons at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 7, 2023. REUTERS/Sarah Silbiger/File Photo
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Republican Senator John Thune said on Tuesday a deal is in the works to resolve a months-long standoff over pilot training requirements that has stalled a major aviation reform bill.
The U.S. House of Representatives in July voted to pass legislation to raise the mandatory commercial pilot retirement age to 67 from 65 and make other aviation reforms.
Thune said talks had produced an “acceptable deal” on the pilot training issue but it was not final. He said the agreement “deals with the pilot shortage, pilot supply issue and incorporates some of the best and greatest technology” for pilot training.