JiffyLube

Fellow pilots,

Late Friday night APA was informed that the House of Representatives
had adopted the Senate language in an effort to get the
transportation appropriations bill to President Bush before Congress
adjourns for the holidays. This bill contains language that, if
passed, will change the pilot mandatory retirement age from 60 to
65.

In response to this threat to safety, on Wednesday APA will run
newspaper advertising in USA Today and Washington, D.C. publications
The Hill and Roll Call. APA has also issued the press release that we
have appended to this message.

President Bush has stated that he will veto the bill and our
legislative consultants in Washington do not believe that the Senate
has the votes to override the veto — but APA still needs your help to
ensure that President Bush does veto this bill. We are asking each of
you to take a few minutes and call the White House and tell them that
you want President Bush to veto the transportation appropriations
bill. You may call the White House switchboard at 202-456-1414 or
leave a message on the White House comment line at 202-456-1111.

APA National Communications



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:


Captain Karl Schricker

817-302-2350/214-957-5275

Gregg Overman


817-302-2250/817-312-3901




ALLIED PILOTS ASSOCIATION URGES PRESIDENT BUSH TO VETO SPENDING BILL,
PRESERVE AGE 60 RETIREMENT FOR AIRLINE PILOTS



Fort Worth, Texas (November 13, 2007)—The Allied Pilots Association
(APA), representing the 12,000 pilots of American Airlines (NYSE:
AMR), is urging President Bush to follow through with his stated
intention of vetoing a transportation appropriations bill.

The spending bill includes language that would raise airline pilot
retirement age to 65 from the current age 60 standard. Congress is
expected to pass the bill sometime this week. The legislation will
then go to the White House for final approval.

"By an overwhelming majority, our pilots support keeping retirement
at age 60," said APA President Captain Lloyd Hill. "They support the
current mandatory retirement age based on numerous safety concerns,
foremost among them pilot fatigue."

Hill pointed out that the National Transportation Safety Board has
linked pilot fatigue to 10 commercial aviation accidents since 1993
that killed 260 people. He also noted that the issue of pilot fatigue
has generated significant public attention recently. An article in
the Nov. 7, 2007 issue of USA Today reported that fatigue led
hundreds of pilots, mechanics and air traffic controllers to make
mistakes on the job, including six cases where pilots fell asleep in
mid-flight. Pilots acknowledged that they "flew to the wrong
altitude, botched landings and missed radio calls."

Hill added that research by the Aerospace Medical Association has
shown that older pilots have greater difficulty dealing with the
physical demands of overnight flying and long flights across multiple
time zones. The Federal Aviation Administration has conceded that
older pilots' accumulated experience does not compensate for the
impact of fatigue on their performance.

"President Bush has cited cost concerns as the reason behind his
plans to veto the transportation appropriations bill," Hill said. "We
agree the bill would prove costly—but not just in dollars and cents."

APA plans to run newspaper advertising later this week that calls on
airline passengers to make their voices heard. The union will
recommend that travelers contact the White House to urge President
Bush to follow through with his veto plans.

"We will let our passengers know that for safety's sake, it's the
right thing to do," he said.

TristarJS30

I'd like to know what else is tacked onto the bill that we'd be rejecting... but with that said.. who the hell (besides super senior guys with 3 wives and 10 kids and never saved a penny) wants to work to 65? Personally, I don't even want to work past 50... but thats a pipe dream.

Not only that, but adding 5 years will grind the current movement in the industry to a screeching halt.

Pantera

I would like the option to work until I am 65. Since I can not get SS until then I want to be able to work as a pilot if I am in good health and not have to be the walmart greeter. APA is a joke for not supporting the age 65 legislation.

ewrbasedpilot

Well, gee, that'd be one of the only smart things he's done since he's been in office..............

ToiletDuck

I would like the option too. Everyone keeps assuming they're working regional style but if you've been flying you're whole career and get well into the six figures while only working 10 days a month then who wouldn't want to do it. Once you get that senior you can bid any trips you want. Sleep all you want or fly early and have the rest of your day to have fun. My grandfather retired from farming about 15yrs ago and I still see him poking along in his suburban around the ranch when I'm out on a tractor. Some people retire because they like the idea of it but then don't know what to do with their time. Then they start wanting to work again even if just a little bit.

__________________
You have received a warning at Airline Pilot Central Forums. Reason:Truth

BoilerUP

APA is upholding the desires of its pilot group...unlike ALPA which took a survey full of leading questions and spun it to fit their predestined agenda.

Changing the retirement age from 60 to 65 at the stroke of a pen provides an immediate windfall to older pilots who 1. benefited in seniority advancement due to Age 60 attrition above them their whole careers, and 2. will get another 5 years at the very top earning potential while causing their furloughed colleagues to spend more time on the street AND stagnating movement at regional carriers.

Due to time/value of money you'll likely never recoup the wealth you would lose by this law delaying your career progression to a legacy for five (or even three) years, even if you work an extra 5 at the top of your earning potential....of which there is no guarantee you'll ever see due to a higher risk of medical disqualification.

__________________
Burning up the sky at 262 KIAS...

PropPiedmont

Just let it go. Work after 60 doesn't sound exciting to me.

newKnow

Thanks APA for having the guts to fight this. Can I send my ALPA dues to you?

__________________
Choice is an illusion created by those who have power for those who don't...

mundo1

"In response to this threat to safety, on Wednesday APA will run
newspaper advertising in USA Today and Washington, D.C. publications
The Hill and Roll Call. APA has also issued the press release that we
have appended to this message..."


threat to safety?

There has to be a better argument than that. . .

texaspilot76

Reaction time and motor skills do slow by or before age 60. It is a safety concern. I hope it stays 60.

If you haven't saved enough for your retirement by 60, then you have problems. Social security is not the answer. It should be abolished.