Taiwan lowers minimum age for pilots to 18

台灣將航空人員最低年齡降至18歲

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan is lowering the minimum age for pilots of passenger flights to 18 and for pilots of cargo planes to 21, in line with the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The original minimum ages were 20 and 23, respectively. The change is expected to widen the potential recruitment pool, per CNA.

The Civil Aeronautics Administration also adjusted the rules to allow all pilots on a multi-pilot flight to be between 60 and 65 years old. Pilots aged 60 or older must undergo a physical examination every four months.

Previously, Taiwan allowed at most one pilot over 60 in a multi-pilot crew on an international flight. ICAO does not impose such a restriction.

The Civil Aeronautics Administration said it studied relevant rules and practices in other countries before deciding to adjust its regulations.