The 60% is based on the previous year's W2. With that said, I've had comical interactions with HR regarding the specifics of this plan. It's like pulling teeth; I spent months firing emails back and forth with nothing to show for it. I communicated with Principal directly; they wouldn't tell me anything and insisted that I talk to the company.

I then emailed the R&I committee. TW told me to buy the ALPA LOL product which sucks comparable donkey balls. I read the ALPA policy which includes gems along the lines of "If you've consulted any medical professional for any reason in the preceding 12 months, claims can be denied". Completely grey language; aka horsesht.

This whole process was sobering and pathetic. If I really needed to file a claim, I had no faith in the company or Principal.

I bought 2 products from Harvey Watt. The first is called Air Health 48 which pays out after 1 year wait for 4 years. It required a medical professional coming to my house to take blood, EKG, etc. The second is a product "Pilot Extended Long Term Disability Insurance" Option 5 that requires a 5 year wait that pays out 2/3 of my previous years W2 (up to $6000 a month) until I'm 65 if I can't hold a FAA medical certificate. The strong advantage here is the premiums are tax deductible. Even more importantly, since I use post tax income, the benefit is paid out tax free.

If you don't have 1 year of emergency cash, purchase their short term disability product. If you think you can't afford it, try going out on medical at Spirit Airlines.

This is very important, and it ****es me off how poor our LTD situation is now. We won't see a contract for 5-7 years; unless you're very wealthy or have a second large source of income; buy this now.