Pilot shortage forces change (JAPAN)

[N8]

Pilot shortage forces change (JAPAN)

As a large number of baby boomer pilots approach retirement age, airlines

are trying to secure their services for a longer period to compensate for a

possible shortage in the near future.

The Construction and Transport Ministry in September raised the age to which

pilots can work to 65, and airline companies have begun easing employment

requirements, which used to limit opportunities to recent university

graduates, to enable them to hire those who have obtained pilot licenses at

their own expense.

Two months ahead of his 60th birthday in July last year, 61-year-old captain

Koichi Okada was asked by his superior at Japan Airlines if he was

interested in continuing to fly.

"I'd like to do so," Okada responded immediately.

After joining the company 40 years ago, Okada became a captain within 10

years. However, he still enjoys a sense of accomplishment after completing a

flight safely.

"I had thought about continuing to fly, if it was possible. I was lucky that

the company asked me to do so," he said.

Okada has four more days off a month than he did before he turned 60, but he

still flies about 60 hours a month as the captain of flights aboard Boeing

777 aircraft to domestic and international destinations, including Seoul,

London and Paris.

Of nearly 6,400 pilots who work for airlines in the country, about 100

retire at the age of 60 every year.

But the number of baby boomer pilots hired to fly jumbo jets, which went

into service in 1970, was significantly larger than other years.

When they reach retirement age after 2007, about 250 to 300 pilots are

expected to retire every year.

A new runway to be opened at Haneda Airport by 2009 also has spurred

concerns over a possible shortage of pilots. After the runway opens, the

annual number of takeoffs and arrivals at Haneda will increase from 290,000

to 410,000. The increased number of flights will require an increased number

of pilots.

Foreseeing a possible shortage of personnel, the ministry recommended in

1996 that airlines allow pilots who continue to pass physical checkups to

work until the age of 63.

In September, the ministry further raised the working age of pilots to 65 at

the request of the airlines.

An increasing number of major airline companies are reemploying pilots at

lower wages who retired at 60 but passed a physical checkup, including

cardiopulmonary functions and eyesight tests.

Carriers also have eased employment requirements for those seeking to gain

pilot licenses.

In the past, airline companies mainly hired recent university graduates and

graduates of aviation colleges to become pilots, but after flight routes

began to shift from major carriers to small and midsize airlines, more

companies are hiring people who have obtained pilot licenses at their own

expense at private training schools.

In June, Taigo Tanaka, 30, of Abiko, Chiba Prefecture, was hired as a pilot

by JAL Express of the JAL group.

He tried but failed to gain employment as a pilot after graduating from

university nine years ago. He worked in another field for a while, but

decided to try again after learning that more opportunities had opened up.

He quit his job and obtained U.S. and Japanese pilot licenses after spending

more than 10 million yen and training for 20 months.

"I'm glad I gave it another try and didn't give up my dream. I realized how

much I wanted to do this after failing once, and that experience will help

me in this job," he said.

Aviation critic Yoshitomo Aoki, said stiff competition had forced carriers

to cut costs, but the pay of Japanese pilots and flight attendants was still

higher than that offered by foreign airlines.

"Since major carriers' affiliates can pay less, they'll try to hire more

pilots," he said.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/newse/20041128wo32.htm

[Kip Powick]

ONE RETIREES OPINION

I think Dustin Hoffman summed it up nicely....

"When you are 20 you can double it and see yourself at 40, no problem, as you aren't even "there". At 40 you can double it and you can l see yourself at 80 and that you are not "there". At 50 or 60 you can't double it and "there" is too close."

I understand that some pilots would like to fly past 60 - but honestly, I say..."Get a Life". There are those that state that they require to work past 60, as a pilot, for "financial considerations". Flash !!! If you don't have your ducks in a row by age 60, you will never will.

I have been there, the big 6-0 and let me tell you, it is great to finally find that you can do what the hell you like, no timetable, no exams, no 6 month medicals, SIMS, no hotels, airline food, bickering with Unions,........ just time.....and the funny thing is you never have enough time when you retire. You are always asking...how did I do what I wanted to do before I retired cause I don't have enough time now?

I know each individual has to take into consideration their own situation and plan accordingly..but....honestly retire at 60 OR earlier if you can...you will never regret it.

JUST MY OPINION

[Innuendo]

I understand that some pilots would like to fly past 60 - but honestly, I say..."Get a Life".

"Get a life" Don,t you think that comes across a bit harsh. There are many pilots that truly enjoy what they do and many consider flying part of their life.

Many also have a lot of other things going in their lives in addition to their flying.

I have been there, the big 6-0 and let me tell you, it is great to finally find that you can do what the hell you like, no timetable, no exams, no 6 month medicals, SIMS, no hotels, airline food, bickering with Unions[/quote

I,ve been there too and while retirement gives many oportunities let me tell you I still miss what I used to do. 6-0 may be enough for some while for others it is simply a number and has nothing to do with their abilities.

I know each individual has to take into consideration their own situation and plan accordingly..but....honestly retire at 60 OR earlier if you can...you will never regret it.

I guess you did say that it was your own opinion.

[Kip Powick]

"Get a life" Don,t you think that comes across a bit harsh

You are correct, that was too harsh, and not meant to be insulting...sorry.

About the big 6-0 . I certainly feel that I could have done the job for a few more years and I certainly feel I had the ability to maintain the professional standard. I did get a job offer, exec flying, about a month after hitting the 6-0 but declined. I had enough, I wanted to spend time with my wife....at that time, and in the then 38 years of marriage we had never spent 30 days in a row..together. All I did was fly and honestly, I had enough.

I wanted to enjoy our boat before I might have to use a walker, I wanted to do all the things I put off because of my job. Boating and diving ...I feel the same way about those two sports as I did about flying..

"Enjoy every flight/boat outing/dive.......it is one closer to your last."

Each to his own...but I'd much rather burn out than rust out, and I'm trying to squeeze out every moment of every day into something WE enjoy.

[sambucca]

KP

All I can say is that where I work I have every intention of flying past the big SIX-0. Way too much fun to give up.

To each his own.

[GDR]

Hi Kip

I guess you'd have to add me to the group that has retired and wished I hadn't had to. I really do have a life and I have no problem at all keeping busy.

When I was working I had two distinct lives. I really enjoyed being home but when I got to work as was able to fly one of the most incredible machines ever built, and be a part of a crew made up of great people going to fascinating places. I just put my life at home on hold while I went out and had a great time.

It's been exactly a year now and I still kinda feel like I'm on days off. My uniform is in the closet, my brain bag is still ready to go, (Gotta admit my manuals aren't up-to-date), and I'm just wating for Milton to call and say that they can't get along without me and they need me back.

However, while I'm waiting there is no end of work to do in the community, it is nice to actually have weeks instead of chunks of time, and I really don't miss the stress of commuting.

Greg Robinson

[Kip Powick]

Greg..

Check your PRIVATE MESSAGES.

Kip

[GDR]

Hi Kip

Check yours for reply.

Greg

[Kip Powick]

Greg..

Check my REPLY to your REPLY to my ORIGINAL....just kidding ...nothing sent Think anyone wonders what we are talking about ?

Have a great Christmas and keep up the good work..that kind of work takes special people and I have no doubt you are one of them.

regards,

Kip