Originally Posted by
PipeMan
I think for most pilots, the value in staying until age 67 is the chance to stay on LTD for an extra 2 years before you're forced to retire. Sure, there are probably some guys out there that flying is all they have, and they love to do it, but I think the majority at that age have no desire to continue the lifestyle.
When I look at the seniority lists for my airline's bases, many of the top guys in each aircraft/seat are on LTD. I'm sure it's like this at your shop, too. If they are unlikely to get their medical back, and already in their late 50s-early 60s, I myself would be tempted to ride it out while living on the generous LTD package. Then come 65 (or 67), and boom, get SS and Medicare. This may sound selfish to some, but those extra 2 years living off that LTD would be very nice to you, too. Although this is probably why airlines aren't supportive of Age 67, either.
It's not terribly unreasonable to want to work to full SS, although I'm not sure the extra two years makes that much difference when you compare the SS scale vs airline CA scale.
Yes the airlines see it as a way to pay a lot of money to have a few guys work an extra two years, and a lot of guys not work an extra two years. They're probably right.