Bryan Bedford addresses House panel on pilot shortage

Eagle421flyer said:
Truth.

My friend at CAL tore his shoulder when he was 53 (he also runs a car business) while he was out on LTD he did some digging and discovered the same thing....the longer we fly the faster we die when we retire (coincidently he retired when this happened). I believe the data I saw also made exponentially jumps in the last 5-7 years....

For example you fly to 65 you last until about 67
retire at 60 last until about 76
where as if you quit about 55 you last till about 80

Given how bad the industry has been I completely understand wanting to fly until 65, but I think the only way I want to do that is if I sit on reserve and fly once a month. I'd like to live long enough in retirement to actually enjoy it.
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I'm actually thinking about leaving early again. Pre-BK I would have had my 25 years with a full pension at 53. But the lack of career progression of a shrunken mainline operation and stagnated career progression from Age-65, plus going from DINK to SINK for an extended period of time made 65 almost a necessity.

But looking at those figures today, ehh, what's the point of working my ass off to 65 only to turn around and kick the bucket a few years later. Even if I DO make it to 65. Hell, I'll be so jaded, what am I going to do, travel? Ha! Probably sit around the house, get bored and die. Might as well look into leaving while I still have my youth and at least survive a short foray into the moshpit.

Deep, alcohol-less thoughts on a sunny Thursday afternoon.
 
Derg said:
I can't share the information online because I'm not even supposed to have it.
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Well, now "they" know you do. :D

So, how about a hint steering inquiring minds in the right direction ? The internet knows everything so we don't have to.

It's pretty important info. Everything I've heard over the years has been anecdotal. I went at 56 when 60 was max...felt like 80 when I got up this morning. :biggrin: I just want to live long enough to be a burden on my children...it's all I ask.
 
bafanguy said:
Well, now "they" know you do. :D

So, how about a hint steering inquiring minds in the right direction ? The internet knows everything so we don't have to.

It's pretty important info. Everything I've heard over the years has been anecdotal. I went at 56 when 60 was max...felt like 80 when I got up this morning. :biggrin: I just want to live long enough to be a burden on my children...it's all I ask.
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I think the ALPA aeromedical folks have that information. I know I have seen those numbers before.
 
Derg said:
Average age of those deceased from my list: 66.49 years

I'm not going to post the document online, but I assure you, that's the number. Data is up to 2012 it seems like.
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From what year to 2011 was that data from? Retirements from 1960 to 2011? Retirements from 2000 to 2011? That can say a lot about the average.

Also while that average number is low, folks are more aware of their medical history and ailments than they were in the past. Once again, 70 is the new 50.
 
Polar742 said:
article-2375780-1AF79FC2000005DC-849_634x438.jpg
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You do realize that I had to stay at a regional 4 years longer due to 65? Also where did I say the retirement age should be raised?
 
Derg said:
But the lack of career progression of a shrunken mainline operation and stagnated career progression from Age-65, plus going from DINK to SINK for an extended period of time made 65 almost a necessity.
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Pretty much the same boat here as far as DINK to SINK go, not sure how I'm going to swing leaving before 65 but I'd like to!
 
amorris311 said:
I think the ALPA aeromedical folks have that information.
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Ever try to get any info from ALPA as an individual ? Even as a 30+ year dues-and-assessment-paying guy...with an ALPA number...in good standing ? ALPA behaves as if they aren't even sure who ALPA is. :confused2:

[sorry, I digressed there.]
 
Let me make a few things clear.

-Raising the retirement age to 70 isn't going to solve any staffing issues

-Instead of taking pot shots at me, show me the science that shows where 65 should be the retirement age

-Yes people in this profession have historically died young. However, folks are more aware of that today and are making different lifestyle choices that their counterparts who went before didn't make.

-I had to spend 4 more years at a regional due to 65 so I 'get it' on the harm it did for a large population of pilots.
 
Seggy said:
Once again, 70 is the new 50.
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TURN OFF BRAVO!!!!

70 is not the new 50, it isn't now and it won't be in the future. 70 is still 70 and 50 is still 50. Yes there are some who don't fit the norm but modern medicine keeps people alive a lot longer then they would naturally. Most of those medicines are not allowed by the FAA. Do you think it's fair that if someone can manage an ailment with proper medicine they should be forbidden from the cockpit?
 
bafanguy said:
Ever try to get any info from ALPA as an individual ? Even as a 30+ year dues-and-assessment-paying guy...with an ALPA number...in good standing ? ALPA behaves as if they aren't even sure who ALPA is. :confused2:

[sorry, I digressed there.]
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I know what you mean. I think I remember seeing that information from the aeromedical folks who are in Denver. Not the Herndon staff. After thinking about this I still cannot remember exactly where I saw it. Sorry.
 
Seggy said:
From what year to 2011 was that data from? Retirements from 1960 to 2011? Retirements from 2000 to 2011? That can say a lot about the average.

Also while that average number is low, folks are more aware of their medical history and ailments than they were in the past. Once again, 70 is the new 50.
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You've got mail! ;)
 
amorris311 said:
TURN OFF BRAVO!!!!

70 is not the new 50, it isn't now and it won't be in the future. 70 is still 70 and 50 is still 50. Yes there are some who don't fit the norm but modern medicine keeps people alive a lot longer then they would naturally. Most of those medicines are not allowed by the FAA. Do you think it's fair that if someone can manage an ailment with proper medicine they should be forbidden from the cockpit?
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A few things with you.....

Those who were screwed financially after 9/11 and were 'saved' by 65 to 'make up' for the money they lost after 9/11 are still screwed thanks to their toys, ex wives, girlfriends, etc.

Your ailment question is way to broad and makes no sense.
 
amorris311 said:
TURN OFF BRAVO!!!!

70 is not the new 50, it isn't now and it won't be in the future. 70 is still 70 and 50 is still 50. Yes there are some who don't fit the norm but modern medicine keeps people alive a lot longer then they would naturally. Most of those medicines are not allowed by the FAA. Do you think it's fair that if someone can manage an ailment with proper medicine they should be forbidden from the cockpit?
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It was in "Cosmopolitan Magazine"

"GUUUUUUURL, you heard? 70 is the new 50! Here are ten sexy ways to please your man!"

(I'm kidding I'm kidding!)
 
@Seggy didn't you just finish telling me that you have heard from ALPA aeromedical people pilots fail to report issues because of fear of losing their medical. Get off the 65 wagon and let's discuss that. I'm sure the FAA would be more than happy to do away with the age requirements so long as everyone played nice and gave them some accurate data. They slowed down on issuing LOI's and other discipline related letters once good ASAP programs started. I think we should start there.
 
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Seggy said:
A few things with you.....

Those who were screwed financially after 9/11 and were 'saved' by 65 to 'make up' for the money they lost after 9/11 are still screwed thanks to their toys, ex wives, girlfriends, etc.

Your ailment question is way to broad and makes no sense.
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Diabetes, heart issues, kidney stones, etc.
 
amorris311 said:
Diabetes, heart issues, kidney stones, etc.
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I'm not a medical expert but someone who was treated for a heart attack is undergoing different treatments than someone who needs insulin for diabetes.

I would like to see as many folks in the cockpit as possible, not out of it. If you lower the age to 60 again guys will still have the same type of issues.

It's mostly about the individual's lifestyle and their proactive approach about facing their genetics.
 
amorris311 said:
I think I remember seeing that information from the aeromedical folks who are in Denver. Not the Herndon staff.
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One call to ALPA national looking for basic info was all I needed to see further calls were a waste of time.
Why would this data be under wraps ? It ain't America's nuclear launch codes, right? :biggrin: In fact, I think it's rather important for people to know. ;) Like stay away from asbestos.
 
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