Originally Posted by
miapilot
A vast majority of airline pilots never make it to 65 nonetheless 67. They medical out, die, on LTD or retire early. What makes you think the 20% that decide to work until 67 are going to affect your seniority much? With the mass retirements coming up, it won't affect you as much as you think it will (like age 65 did as it was a different pilot market then with furloughs, hard to make it to a major airline, etc).
Have you seen the latest stats for the amount of pilots needed for the future? It's staggering. Not enough pilots for the increased demand worldwide. As one who hopes to retire at 65, it would be helpful to at least have a choice for another 2 years, depending on the stock market. I never made it to the $300,000 year pilot job throughout my career.
Every pilot ages differently. Some have cognitive issues, some do not. That's what the simulator evaluation is for. Geez. You all will be older someday. And you might change your mind. 65 is the new 45.
We take better care of ourselves (especially pilots with a medical every 6 months when you get older). We are living longer. Don't be so quick to only think of your younger self. It's about thinking of what's best for everyone. Being unionized, it's thinking of everyone to at least have a choice, not just a segment of the pilot ranks. Social security full retirement age isn't even until 67 now. Best to at least have the option. You can fly corporate after 65. So I don't see much of a difference as I've done both.
I agree whole heartedly, great summarization. Lifespans and longer healthy cognitive years are about to increase exponentially mark my words. The current LTD statistics of all airlines represent generational factors that include smoking, poor food options in the airports, no rest rules, more alcoholism and not enough emphasis on exercise. Once this generational demographic moves on I believe we will see less impact disability wise and lower early mortality. In 10 years the statistics will be vastly different.