Originally Posted by
TPROP4ever
You raise some very valid points, I am not for, nor against it, I was just wondering what the general concensus for the bulk of pilots much senior to me is the same as some Ive talked to . I guess Im trying to get a read on the long term effects of this on all of us who still have time left in the industry. I think there is some legitimate concern that it is similar to SS and every generation having to work longer before they can enjoy the fruits of their years of hard work and enjoy a relaxing retirment. I dont think its been around long enough to see if it ends up being positive or negative...Like I said Im just looking for some opinions on both sides. You do have to admit though that it had to have put a damper on movement when the industry did a 180 last summer.
I guess im wondering if their are guys between 60 and 65 that want out, if they could get full benifits like they expected, wouldnt it help the industry to give them full retirment before 65, and then you bring some furloughs back saving money on unemployment and retraining costs, for lapse in currency on furlough? Again either way wouldnt affect me, I'm too junior..just thinking out loud. Am I even in the right ballpark?
I anticipated that the net effect of age 65 on pilot movement would be about a 2-3 year slowdown. I assumed that many folks would hang it up voluntarily before age 65.
Turns out I was dead wrong. Other than medicals, it seems that very few folks are opting out early. Some of it has to do with reduced pay and pension bennies, but a big part of I think is that MOST pilots who are over 60 are pretty senior and make decent or better money with their choice of schedule. At that point the job for many is not particularly unpleasant...so why not hang around and make a few bucks?
There is no possible way to restore pensions or roll back age 65, so I think we are simply stuck until 2012.