I was opposed to age 65 and did what I could to oppose it though I was relatively new to ALPA politics. My memory is a bit foggy, but I remember thinking the survey was designed to get the answer some wanted. That didn’t work and I don’t rule out a wink and a nod by John Prater and some others. But what I remember most is how engaged the pilots who wanted 65 were as opposed to those of us who opposed it. Also, ICAO already being at 65 minimized the operational issues so I don’t think airline managements opposed it. That might be the most important difference between then and now.

My biggest problem with the age 67 pilots is how they went about this. They went around the union before we had any contracts. Then, when ALPA’s BOD voted unanimously to accept the strategic plan that included keeping the age at 65 they began a PR campaign that undermined and vilified our union even as ALPA delivered on contracts. They also partnered with some of unions most ardent and powerful enemies. We, pilots, don’t like politics, but they are a fact of life. Too many pilots seem to look for excuses to bash our union rather than supporting it even when we don’t get our way.

For 92 years ALPA has been a preeminent advocate for airline safety while setting the standard for pilot pay, benefits and job security throughout the world. All the while carrying the dead weight of union hating pilots.