That is a very good point.

If you really need the money, you can take it from your 401K and pay the penalties.
Personally, I love the fact that I am going to max out one way or another. With over 30 years to go, every year I do that, means I have a better chance of not having to work until I am 65.

Heck you can even read the ALPA board. There is a lot of crud, but there is fact in there too. Have a question, ask. There is always someone with an answer.

With the market in the cr#pper, it's actually a fantastic time to dump a big chunk of change in the 401K. At retirement time, I think dudes will look back at this as a big blessing. Buy low...

Buck,

Yeah I gave up the Coast Guard, found out I get seasick:) !!!!! I think I'll go fishin' with my 12 gauge!!!!

Denny

Did any one check the SIL's for Nov. This one even blew me away. Over 300 leaves for the month 80+ alone for the 7ER B position in ATL. WOW!

That is huge. I was just looking at the reserve list on the ER and nearly everyone there has at least a raw score of 65 with most in the 100s. Compare that to the domestic 767 where I've got a nice score of 24 and we're at Sep. 19 and me thinks I might just stay put on the next bid.

All I can say is that as a NYC7ERB, I'm on my second GS this month, with a RAW score of 120+.

OK, what is a RAW score?

In a nutshell, it's the company's way to position you on the reserve availability list within your number of available days. The more you fly, the higher your RAW score. The higher your RAW score, the lower on the list you are. In other words, guys with low RAW scores are first in line to fly.

It subverts seniority when it comes to trip assignments.

It has an undetermined affect on who gets assigned to short call...i.e., someone with a very high RAW score could get assigned to short call, where someone with a low RAW score does not.

The RAW system is fairly transparent, but is unpopular because it circumvents seniority.

The short call assignment system is completely opaque and completely unpopular.

Both need work.

Thanks......