Carl, your buddy is giving you some bad gouge. Here's what I found on a list dated 01 Jan 08:

Year of Birth/ number of pilots

1947/2
1948/60
1949/75
1950/89
1951/136
1952/157
1953/218
1954/272
1955/348
1956/478
1957/567

Total:2402 pilots over age 50 (This doesn't count the guys who have turned 50 in 2008)

Obviously, some of these guys are going to be junior to you, but the fact remains that there is a lot of bad information out there.

Not asking for sympathy at all, just trying to state the facts as best as I can discern them. I've read a lot of DAL pilots (and now you) sincerely commenting about not understanding what could possibly be distasteful about relative seniority. I'm stating the case as to why. The entire NWA MEC is now officially against the merger because of the SLI issue, so I'm fairly certain I'm not alone.

Carl

Just looked at the Delta list.

Of the first 500, approximately 95% are over 50.

The first 220 or so are within 5 - 10 years of retirement.

Looks like you got some bad info...



Kevin

It's awfully hard to admit you've made a mistake.

I think the NWA guys better start asking some hard questions of their elected reps.


JMO, YMMV!



Kevin

Carl,

I just looked at the DAL seniority list and while it doesn't list birthdays, it does list scheduled retirements. Someone who is 50 now would retire sometime in 2023.

Well, out of the top 400, all but about 20 are scheduled to retire before 2023, many within the next 10 years, in fact. I didn't look closely beyond 400 but a quick glance shows this trend continuing into the 600s. Of course, many of those folks have 2021 or 2022 retirement dates.

But whoever told you DAL only has about 100 pilots over 50 is full of sh!t. By the numbers I have, it's at least 500.

When you're talking about 12,000+ pilots, retiring at #9 or #90 won't make much of a difference, IMO.

Where it will make an impact is for the new hires at NWA who were hoping for a 3-year upgrade to DTW DC-9 Captain. An SLI will kill that. But then again, going at it alone in this environment would probably do the same, as well.

Staple,

It's not hard to admit a mistake at all. I do it all the time. Until I see a list for myself I can only go by what DAL and NWA pilots have noted on this forum. And that is the significant age demographic associated with the mass exodus of over age 50 pilots at DAL to capture their lump sum retirement. I actually hope you're right on this, but I don't think you are.

Carl

I can't send you our seniority list, but what I and the others have posted is 100% correct.

Yes, there was a max exodus. Yes, the overall pilot group at NWA, especially at the top, is older. But we have our geezers here, as well.

Who you callin' a geezer, kid?:)

Geez, you youngsters are too tough for me. It is past midnight and not even my bi-focals can help me read this computer screen anymore.

Good night,

Carl

From this NWA pilot's perspective, and that of a majority of those I've talked to.
We don't want your seats, we just want our seats. There are 902 Delta pilots senior to me. I prog out to retire on the whale or 787 as is. Fine with me. Fence the widebody Captains slots, no bump no flush, and date off hire. When we are all gone in 8 or 9 years, let the orgy begin. Best wishes to all New Global Airline pilots.