stbloc

How many pilots are you seeing put in for there retirement. I would think with the current state of the economy and retirement schedules that this could create mass hiring in a few years. In 1-3 years we should start growing again. I hope I can make the transition to a major. But i only see this happening if retirements start to pick up. I was hearing 15-30 pilots a month depending on the airline. Can anyone confirm this information.
Thanks

Eric Stratton

really???

have you not heard that pilots don't have to retire until 65. that means no manditory retirements for 4+ years...

seaav8tor

2 things working against you.

1. Majors are shrinking the number of pilots they need as a whole going forward.

2. Age 65.


Be very critical of predictions from those who "sell" information or training and their predictions of future pilot requirements. In fact be very critical of the airlines themselves and their forecasts. In 1992 American told potential new hires at phase I the airline would grow to 14,500 pilots by 1995 and upgrade to CA would be within reach within 5 years from DOH. As another Texan is fond of saying "How's that workin for ya?"; At some point prior to 2000 Alaska predicted 2,000 pilots by the year 2000. And so it goes. Not out and out lies simply examples of the fact that long range planning in this industry is simply not possible.

Airhoss

Whoever told you that was full of it. It is simply not happening. Last year at UAL I think we had two voluntary retirements.

Besides who in their right mind would retire into this financial market if they didn't have to?

ewrbasedpilot

Some interesting replies to say the least. Kind of shows you that some on here don't know what's REALLY happening. I just checked my seniority at CAL, and based on what I'm seeing, the retirements are AHEAD of where they were based on my last run of a "seniority analysis"! (Not sure if this will continue though......) I was showing that I should be around 2915 (this was based on a 08/2004 seniority report.....LONG before the age 65 ruling came into effect), but as of today, I'm number 2889! I think a lot of guys finally decided flying past age 60 wasn't going to be quite the fun they thought it would be, and the novelty is wearing off.....rather quickly I might add. The risk of losing a lump sum is getting closer every day, and it's possible many see that risk as one they aren't wanting to take. In today's environment, I certainly wouldn't be gambling my lump sum if offered the chance to take it and leave. I fully intend to be gone by 60 (earlier if possible). However, even with the retirements, movement is backwards due to the crappy economy. Hopefully things will improve soon, but I'm not betting on it. Good luck to us all...................

jetlag7

I saw this sticker on a flight bag the other day.....

"Don't be a chump, take the lump!!"

BoxDawg

If you love flying and you are young, hang in there, your dream can still come true but maybe not on the timetable you mentioned. As previous posters revealed, age 65 is a progression delayer for us all, and few people have in their retirement plans (401k/IRA) what they now need to retire. Look at this as a **** break on a long trip, you will still get there but its just going to take a little longer than you wanted. The semi-good news (not really) is you that once you make it to a major, disregarding mergers, furloughs amd BK's, you will now have an extra 5 years of flying to earn $$. Take this time to network, build lots of good time, and look into a side business you can get into that would provide more stability in this unstable career. In my mind though, this career is well worth the pain.
BD

Roger Ball

Beats workin that's for sure

Superpilot92

We'll it depends on the carrier. At NWA we have had over 200 people leave this year. Our senior guys still have a pension though which has kept many from staying past 60.

Its hard to predict what will happen but just based on numbers once the age 65 speedbump is past the retirements will kick up at all majors.

Pineapple Guy

Let's not forget that many of those were in the PERP program - i.e. they had to be given an incentive to force them to retire....