Experienced Pilots Advancing Safety (EPAS)

Experienced Pilots Advancing Safety (EPAS) is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting a robust safety culture within the aviation industry. The organization's primary mission is to advocate for the elimination of the mandatory retirement age for FAR Part 121 commercial airline pilots in the United States and globally, arguing that the forced retirement of experienced aviators diminishes aviation safety. While a specific headquarters is not explicitly stated, their advocacy efforts are frequently reported from Washington, D.C..

EPAS's core activities revolve around advocacy, strategic assessment, and public engagement. They unite pilots to campaign for raising the mandatory retirement age and actively participate in policy discussions concerning pilot standards and aviation governance. The organization publishes news and updates related to its cause, aiming to educate policymakers, industry leaders, and the public on issues they deem critical to aviation safety and system integrity.

In recent news, EPAS has actively called for renewed U.S. representation at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), expressing concerns over the lack of a confirmed U.S. Ambassador and its potential impact on international aviation policy. They have also raised alarms regarding Hong Kong's expanded electronic device access rules, citing implications for U.S. aviation personnel and data security. EPAS continues to advocate for evidence-based decision-making in aviation, often challenging labor-backed advocacy on pilot retirement policies and supporting specific nominations for international aviation roles.