More specifically, to address the issue of older pilots who get into the career late. I don't think their is a solution to that. The IRS limits are what the IRS limits are. One's age is the limiting factor as to what can be deposited into a qualifying account.

For folks who get into the career late, be advised, you have fewer years left to both accrue and invest. Likely, you knew that anyways. I hope their other (previous) jobs offered them some savings vehicles, and/or they were saving and investing aggressively since they turned 21.

It would be difficult indeed to start the profession at age 50 and retire with 2 million in a Schwab account if there wasn't prior savings.

The dark post 9-11 decade was caused, ultimately by too many RJ's, which resulted in career path stagnation. How many got out of the profession before they really got started? I hope we have learned our lesson on SCOPE relief!