FreightDawgyDog

This was sent to us via FCIF from one of our pilots retiring at 60 this month.

"I've told my wife for years that when I go, on my tombstone she should
put, “he was going to go anyway"... either that or "I told you I was sick".
I thought about that the other day when the law changed to let us fly
until age 65. Part of me would like to keep flying for a lot of good
reasons, but I guess I'll just retire anyway."

He's not on here crowing about now being able to fly past Age 60 or telling everyone how much smarter he is than them. He's not trying to game the system so he can hang on and see what happens or having well timed sick issues. He is simply appreciative for a great flying career and even though he acknowledges there are reasons to keep flying, he is retiring anyway. I don't think talking about tombstones and flying past Age 60 in the same paragraph was a coincidence. To all those that are following this lead, I salute you and thank you for truly showing how unselfish and honorable Captains end their careers with dignity. It is you that sets the example to follow. Godspeed and tailwinds to all those that retire at Age 60..

FDD

fdxflyer

You know, FDD I read that one with a similar feeling.

Bohica

At least some of the older guys have some class and humility. Too bad they are in the minority.

Albief15

Oh....I think there are some that will leave anyway. Not everyone wants to work past 60.

hamfisted

It's important to keep this as impersonal as possible as we move forward. The Law is the Law and those who decide to stay have every right to do so. As a guy whose career will be significantly negatively impacted by the Age change, I only get heart burn from the select few who are/will be stupid/arrogant/insensitive enough to rub this in our faces. I'd love if every one of the guys who hit 60 decide to retire immediately but I suspect more and more guys will continue to fly past 60.
Most of the guys that will reap the benefits of this age change law were mere spectators to the process; just as I was. Now, with the law being what it is, who am I to judge a guy who decides to keep flying? It just simply doesn't matter to me what his/her reasons are, they have the right.
BUT....don't get me going about doing it without a bid!

Bohica

nice sentiments ham, but do you honestly think for a moment a little thing like a bid or a vacancy is going to stop this swarm of locusts?

I don't.

FreightDawgyDog

"It's important to keep this as impersonal as possible as we move forward. The Law is the Law and those who decide to stay have every right to do so. As a guy whose career will be significantly negatively impacted by the Age change, I only get heart burn from the select few who are/will be stupid/arrogant/insensitive enough to rub this in our faces."

I agree ham. I will have no heartburn for those who weren't part of the APAAD movement, or those that aren't rubbing it in our faces. I also will have no heartburn with those that do not have a full retirement from here or the military staying as well. For those that choose to stay, or come back, that have either, or both, I will have very little respect. Heartburn no, but no respect as well. But what the puck, no one really cares about what I think anyway, especially my union leadership.

While I won't waste any more of my time worrying about these guys, I won't waste any more time hoisting adult beverages with them on layovers either. I will continue to admire those that retire with dignity at Age 60 while they still can. Once that changes none of us will have a good choice unless we give even more up to get it. I can live very happily with all that I have said here and with no remorse knowing that no one suffered for what I have gained.

Jetjok

It's a good thing that you don't generalize. As well, how do you know that the majority of us older guys have no class and/or humility? You've read posts on this board from perhaps 4 or 5 of us. The rest are too busy doing whatever it is that they do, and are not interested in your posts, and frankly, neither am I.

FliFast

It's my opinion that companies will look at a buyout or more liberal bypassing parameters versus the cascade of taining events, displacements, and a whole host of other effects.

Anyone else share my opinion or would like to add a contrasting view.

Thx,

FF

highflyer

My hat (symbolic, of course) is off to Bob. He is a highly respected and well liked captain, and I wish him all the best in his new endeavors! A role model for all of us!

Cheers!