Australian CARs:
Thanks John. Looks like there's hope for the likes of Nigel and me yet...
Kissmysquirrel, I realise you're all heart really. Fact is, unless a helicopter pilot is born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he's unlikey to have access to a huge pension (index-linked). Our companies are never stable and their assets, profits and pension funds are easy prey to asset strippers. We ourselves are often not the best of money managers either (honourable exceptions, Whirly).. We usually NEED to fly, and if younger pilots can't get a command where they are, they can go elsewhere can't they? What's the point of an ATPL/IR if you won't pack your bags and move on?
Furthermore, not only do we old farts still like our flying but we're just as good at it as those half our age. Our experience is greatly enhanced (if not enriched) by flying in different parts of the world in totally different roles in our constant search for hire and reward. So long as we can pass our base checks and medicals we can still contribute to the profession.
'nuff ranting. Good luck Uncle Ian.