Redeye says ... "Lets see sad story...........Made WB capt at early Age. Happens to to be lucky enough..........to be working at Fedex where things are pretty stable and the future is positive.........

Reality ... Graduated from college and worked as an engineer for 2 years before joing the military (so joined military later than the average guy). After 6 years active duty, hired by now bankrupt and shutdown legacy carrier. Spent 5 years there ... no airlines hiring then so spent the next 3 years in a real job working as an engineer again. Hired at FedEx 16 years after college. Upgraded to WB Capt at age 49 (I wouldn't call that "at early age"? I'm not sure why you do?)

What if your A-Plan was wiped out tomorrow? ( Give Fred and the MGT boys a few more years to figure out how to do it)

Reality ... been there done that, see above answer

What if you needed to go on LT disability for the next 4 years. When you come back that was 4 years your B-plan saw nothing..Do you already have your High 5?..........would that have any effect..................

Reality ... it's called LTD insurance and ALPA loss of license insurance, It's part of that "sound financial planning" I've been yapping about. Instead of an airplane, boat, lake house, 3rd wife ...

There are alot of variables out there Mark.........Don't try to lump everyone in the same Pile. The Actual # of Pilots who have a full Pension coming (not one from the PBGC) and 25 years or more with the " same" company that want to continue working past 60 is pretty small by comparison.

Reality ... I've tried to be sympathetic to the guys that are in a bad situation through no fault of their own. See my prior posts. Like I've said, I've been there. I was lucky enough to be able to regroup and start a career at FedEx while I was still young enough to get a decent (not maximum) retirement. My heartburn is with the over 60 guys that have at least 25 years at FedEx and don't have enough common sense or self worth (or any hobbies) to realize there is life after FedEx. Those guys stick around for selfish reasons ONLY. It's not about me, me, me ... it's all about them, them , them


Mark