Originally Posted by
stroppy jock
I hope you have factored in the fact that you will undoubtedly have a shorter life-span if you work those extra 8-10 yrs?
Jeeez... Everyone's treating me like I'm some kind of management stooge! I'm gonna vote to strike if BALPA recommend it... Got it?
The above isn't an issue for me... Because I came to flying later in life (32 trial lesson, 34 first AFI job and 36 first airline job - 10 years ago) and without any previous profession or even thought for a pension until about 8 years ago, it was always my intention to carry on until 65 anyway whilst I continue to pay off the mortgage. The life-span issue is in-line with my expectation too.
It's about expectations and mine has always been to work until 65. I signed a BA 55 contract when CFE was 'integrated' knowing full well that there was every chance of it changing before I was forced out. I only had to wait 5
½ years for the change to happen.
I expected 15/45ths at 55 now I will get 5/45ths plus 20/60ths at worst (NAPS IV 'till 65) of ten points further up the pay scale. I will pay a lot less for it (if I don't buy anything back) and end up with more when I retire. It exceeds my expectations of 10 years ago by quite a lot.
Originally Posted by chickenfeed
And probably with a pension based on a L/H SFO's salary not a S/H Capt's?
Admittedly this is a problem. But I'm prepared to take the risk. My seniority is 2440ish and I have 15 years left to get a command course back from somewhere before the 4 year freeze kicks in. Even if it has to be a shorthaul one (a killer at that age, no doubt) I would expect to manage it. I believe lots will take PTW and I had a 777 Capt on my
JS from GLA this week who is adamant he is still going to go at 55 - he won't be alone with the current work levels. I also believe that the company is on the verge of massive profits and a LH fleet expansion will arrive sooner rather than later.
Anyway, that's something to fix in the future if necessary. My life sucks right now so I'm going to fix it as I have the opportunity. Then I can stop being so bitter, have a bit of a life and worry about the future (if I ever identify something to worry about) nearer the time.
Besides, if things get really desperate I have twice the minimum requirements for a DE 777 Command with Emirates. But thngs'd have to get a bit more desperate yet.