Airline Pilot Lifespan

[Seggy]

A little dated, but interesting nonetheless with the talk concerning Japan and Airline Pilot Retirement age...

http://flightsafety.org/hf/hf_jan-feb96.pdf

It looks likes Airline Pilots live longer than the general population counterparts.

It would be interesting if they did a more recent study.

 

[Autothrust Blue]

Age 70, you heard it here first folks!

 

[Nick]

I think a more recent study is in order to discuss this topic as it relates to increasing retirement age.

During the time of the study, 1968-1993, I'd like to see a chart showing average block time flown per year.

That would be a simple way to account for vacation, days off and the amount of actual work done in the career.

Although I'm not suggesting that airline pilots are now dying in less time after retirement than they were in this study, I do think that a few factors have changed that could tilt the scale the other way:

- Up to five more years of flying
- Pilots are now averaging more block hours per year than years past
- Commuting to one's base not only probably more prevalent, but likely more difficult at times

Of course, there are several things that could cancel the above factors out:

- Many people are eating healthier now, and healthy options on the road are probably also a bit easier to find
- Less smokers
- It is definitively known that heavy drinking over years is also not healthy
- Seems to be more of the population getting some exercise on a weekly basis (or at least, the facts are clearly out as to how it is a health/longevity advantage)
- Some flights that used to be 11 hours and 45 minutes with three pilots in the cockpit the whole time, are now staffed in a way that each will get a few hours in a rest bunk/seat and at least get some amount of sleep.

 

[Vector]

I think a more recent study is in order to discuss this topic as it relates to increasing retirement age.

During the time of the study, 1968-1993, I'd like to see a chart showing average block time flown per year.

That would be a simple way to account for vacation, days off and the amount of actual work done in the career.

Although I'm not suggesting that airline pilots are now dying in less time after retirement than they were in this study, I do think that a few factors have changed that could tilt the scale the other way:

- Up to five more years of flying
- Pilots are now averaging more block hours per year than years past
- Commuting to one's base not only probably more prevalent, but likely more difficult at times

Of course, there are several things that could cancel the above factors out:

- Many people are eating healthier now, and healthy options on the road are probably also a bit easier to find
- Less smokers
- It is definitively known that heavy drinking over years is also not healthy
- Seems to be more of the population getting some exercise on a weekly basis (or at least, the facts are clearly out as to how it is a health/longevity advantage)
- Some flights that used to be 11 hours and 45 minutes with three pilots in the cockpit the whole time, are now staffed in a way that each will get a few hours in a rest bunk/seat and at least get some amount of sleep.

But didn't mention the worry of furlough or worse, losing your job altogether. That thought can weigh heavily on you at different stages of your career.

 

[Kingairer]

Please tell me that ALPA isn't starting it's case for raising the age.

 

[SlumTodd_Millionaire]

Please tell me that ALPA isn't starting it's case for raising the age.

That was Prater's baby. I don't think Canoll was on board with that nonsense.

 

[drunkenbeagle]

It looks likes Airline Pilots live longer than the general population counterparts.

As would be expected, as the general population isn't very meaningful for comparison. Compared to white college graduates in good health would be more useful.

 

[Vector]

As would be expected, as the general population isn't very meaningful for comparison. Compared to white college graduates in good health would be more useful.

Was that statement said in jest?

 

[Rocketman99]

Not likely. What are the demographics of probably 90% of the airline pilot population, particularly over age 50 or so?

 

[Rocketman99]

Seeing this thread is odd. I was under the impression that studies had shown your average airline pilot dropped dead within 2-5 years of retiring?

 

[Seggy]

Please tell me that ALPA isn't starting it's case for raising the age.

No it's not. Just sharing.

 

[Seggy]

As would be expected, as the general population isn't very meaningful for comparison. Compared to white college graduates in good health would be more useful.

Oh it's in there. Look at figure 1.

 

[derg]

My airline is like 67 from data I have. And even that is rounded up. :/

I have a massive spreadsheet, but it includes some personal data so I simply can't post it without quite a bit of work, but the data up to 2011 shows:

 

[drunkenbeagle]

Oh it's in there. Look at figure 1.

Yeah, figure 1 was the white general population. I suspect that education and income have far more to do with those demographics.

 

[drunkenbeagle]

Was that statement said in jest?

No. Life expectancy is associated with many things. Being a college graduate adds about 9 years to lifespan, hence the conclusion of this paper is flawed. Comparing pilots simply to their college graduate peers, we would have them dying 4 years sooner. I suspect that if race and income were also controlled for, it would show the pilots doing even worse.

 

[drunkenbeagle]

I was under the impression that studies had shown your average airline pilot dropped dead within 2-5 years of retiring?

With age 65 I think that is pretty close to the mark.

 

[derg]

My figures are SouthernJetters up to 2011.

(re-edited my original post with a snippet of a spreadsheet)

 

[drunkenbeagle]

My figures are SouthernJetters up to 2011.

(re-edited my original post with a snippet of a spreadsheet)

I need to find a way to underwrite annuities for you folks. Cha-ching

 

[drunkenbeagle]

My airline is like 67 from data I have. And even that is rounded up. :/

So when is your retirement party?

 

[derg]

I need to find a way to underwrite annuities for you folks. Cha-ching

Yes! Totally. Can I be a silent partner?

So when is your retirement party?

Before 9/11 and "Age 65", it would have been eight years from now with a full retirement. Basically I am where I would have been five years ago and the TVM of that is largely unrecoverable and about another ten years (I got lucky) to somewhat break even on the transition from DB to DC so I'm "all in".