WASHINGTON — Airline pilots would be allowed to fly until they turn 65 instead of the present mandatory retirement age of 60, under new rules proposed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

At least one member of a flight crew would have to be younger than 60 under the proposal announced Tuesday by agency administrator Marion Blakey.

The FAA proposal mirrors a rule adopted in November by the International Civil Aviation Organization, a United Nations group.

Blakey said it's important to adhere to international aviation standards, and that pilots are living longer, healthier lives.

"Is there a group of employees in better shape than pilots?" Blakey said at a luncheon speech.

She said it would take 18 months to two years for the rule to be put into place. It won't affect pilots who reach retirement age before then, she said.

Blakey last year ordered a forum of airline, labor and medical experts to recommend whether the United States should raise the age limit. By November, the group had not reached a consensus, but it outlined the pros and cons of the issue.

Many pilots want to work longer because their pensions were slashed after their airlines sought bankruptcy protection.