Originally Posted by
gr8vu
Few thoughts to add. I am going on terminal leave in June. Found out in my ethics JAG outbrief that you can't technically start a new job on your 20 days permissive TDY so keep that in your crosscheck when doing the leave/TDY calculations. I am bumping my retirement up a month to deal with this.
If you are approaching age 45 and use term insurance and are in good health then lock in 30 year term insurance rates before your birthday. They normally don't go past age 75 and as a mobility pilot in good health and not flying general aviation I qualified for the best rates that will beat VGLI rates hands down. I ran a laundry list of products and did lifetime calculations if any one wants any info on the best pricing I found.
Good info on the insurance. USAA additionally recommends trying to lock it in before you turn 40 if it makes financial sense. They have competitive rates, but not the best out there.
As far as the ethics brief, got it. Not to sound cavalier or like a rule violator, but if the govt is going to throw a fit about 20 days after 20 years of carrying the load (I have been away from the house for about half of that), I have a serious problem with that. Guys who are retiring (or even just getting out at their MSR for that matter) have pulled the sled long enough. They have earned those 20 days. I have yet to hear that one being enforced. 20 days can mean the difference between spending 25 continuous years flying the line or being furloughed and bouncing from job to job and never earning any seniority. I think anyone who delays a class date because a wet behind the ears jag told them they aren't supposed to be working is foolish and short sighted.