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REVIEW OF THE
PROPOSED AIR LINE PILOTS' RETIREMENT PLAN

The following is a partial criticism of the proposed retirement plan for airline pilots as put forth in the pamphlet "Air Line Pilots' Retirement Project Examined," a Question and Answer set of 43 pages submitted by ALPA Headquarters, and a draft of the proposed bill for Congressional action. From the lack of further interpretive information the criticism must needs be somewhat lacking in detailed discussion, and limited to those points most seriously debated. Thus, detailed answers to these arguments are invited to further explain the original proposal as well as to satisfy the immediate questions.

No words, phrases, or "meanings" are intended to degrade the proposal. Indeed, recognition is given to both the idea and the work already put forth. However, the author believes that the points brought to light, here, are of such importance as to qualify the proposal as inadequate unto definitely undesirable. To be specific, the author, and those with whom he is working, are in favor of a plan of this type, but will do all possible to defeat the present proposal, as it stands.

What is also most emphatically declared is the need for more and profounder publicity of the scheme. The nature and scope of this matter is such as to affect the economy, career, living, and thinking of every pilot in the air transportation industry, and those who may contemplate such work. It is part of our social obligation to help our fellow men by properly helping ourselves, individually as well as collectively. This plan we need, but it is to become a law not easily changed, and one which could change our lives categorically. It must be a change for the better, for all. This can be accomplished only through understanding, effort, and support by every pilot concerned.

At the beginning of such a scheme there may always be some few who will benefit out of proportion to the many, as well as those few who will suffer unduly. But, the plan must be approached on an absolute basis, insofar as possible, with the end groups being accommodated, afterwards, in the best manner possible. In this particular instance, it would seem that the plan takes special and emphatic consideration of the older group of pilots now in our midst. This is to be expected, to some extent, since the plan has undoubtedly been originated by those older men who have brought the industry up with them, and who are now seeing the need for such security. These men must be credited and considered for their efforts. However, many of these same men have had further individual foresight, and, in reality, do not need such a plan; communal spirit bringing them to work upon the plan. Unfortunately, a very rabid group exists which include those who have not taken the initiative to protect themselves. Whether by chance or by intent, the proposed plan, as it now reads, is unbalanced in favor of this last group. In fact, it is possible that some of the more rigid and radical clauses of the bill, as well as some of the high cost is due to the great amount of immediate drain upon the "fund" which would be precipitated