One glaring item missing from this discussion is the fact that many of the pilots fall into the "accredited investor" category. Those closest to retirement and clamoring most for a DB are those most likely to be in this group. This opens up investment options outside of the control of Delta, ALPA, Fidelity or Wall Street in general. All options presented and discussed so far fall under limited control of one or all of the above.

It behooves all of us to become familiar with ALL options available. Investing in real estate, private placement offerings, oil wells, etc should be under consideration. Relying on Delta, ALPA or any financial institution as your sole source of retirement is foolish. IMHO, we are better off stopping our retirement negotiation at 20% DC, so we hit the annual 55K limit. Put remaining negotiating capital into take-home pay for outside investment, better health care options and work rule improvements.