hopp

As a retiree looking back, I believe the “pilot shortage “ will work itself out before next summer. That’s just my take on the economy and it’s affect on air travel. Another round of lock downs (already being discussed in some european circles), will convince many that Zoom can replace a meeting or a wedding in New Jersey.

I lived through the recession and furloughs of the ‘70s.

As to the age limit, I’d say from my experience growing up in an airline family and knowing many major airline pllots since being a kid in the early 60’s..most should probably move on at 65. That said, there is a percentage that could stay and do well. They should have a chance. The logistics of figuring out who is a problem.

I shook off the golden handcuffs and checked out 6 months the early. I might have stayed longer were it not for all the Covid circus. Instead, jumped into a corporate jet, and am having a ball. Half the pay and twice the fun, on a third the grief.

Cruz Clearance

Can't the gummers just go to direct entry CA for Skywest to fly 135?
Bringing their experience and mentorship to the next generation in CRJ-200
configured to 30 seats. The true win win situation.

hopp

That was offered to everyone I know from United who was retired in the last couple years. I don’t know of anyone who took them up. From what I heard, that email lived about 30 minutes in most in boxes. I think it was an EMB 145. Not sure.

It would be interesting to hear their experiences, for those that did take the offer.

hopp

Okay, to be honest it is a third the pay and half the grief. Still twice the fun. Got two reversed. There must be a correlation.

av8or

“Gummers”…… well said!!! Or maybe move along at 65 and get a consultant gig with an aircraft manufacturer working on eliminating pilots from the cockpit altogether. Again win win. 👍🏻👍🏻

WhistlePig

There is exactly one senator who has floated legislation to raise the mandatory retirement age. He has no co-sponsors.

Thewrongstufff

This rumor pops up ever ~1.5-2 years and it’s always the same “age 67/70 is signed, sealed, delivered… congress is voting on it next week… it is going to happen any day now” blah blah and it never does.. the airlines know these old guys are not economic during their last years so they dont want this (sick time, vacation, high pay scale etc) go enjoy your retirement already

Moonbeam

Almost like a "herpes" sore.

SonicFlyer

Yes but sometimes things get inserted into bills just before a vote. Unfortunately each legislative action doesn't require it's own separate bill and vote like it does in many state legislatures.

rickair7777

This is true. But this time there's more potential motivation to do, at least if you're a congress-critter who reads all the press about pilot shortage and small towns losing service.