Disability Insurance For American Airlines Pilots
Making Sure Our Plans Work With American Benefits
The American Airline pilot community is one of the largest in the world, and American pilots enjoy one of the best pay and benefit packages in the industry. However, as we have found at other airlines, disability programs at American could stand to be offered at higher levels.
As an American Airlines Pilot, you are privy to a handful of overlapping benefits from American Airlines corporate, the Pilot's Association (APA), and individual coverage that you can buy on your own. There are many resources on line that describe these benefits. The most complete website is probably the American Airlines Plan Guides for Pilots for basic knowledge and information. (Website found below for your convenience.) Always refer to your company Human Resources Benefits department for the most current information.
When searching the Internet, you will find that there are numerous opinions and interpretations regarding the issue of disability insurance for pilots. Since this webpage is dedicated to disability insurance for American Airlines pilots in particular, let's move in that direction. You will notice that this issue is oftentimes a "side show" compared to sick leave, 401k's, and B-Plans. We find this unsettling because what is the greatest risk to a person’s income? Answer: DISABILITY, and for pilots it is even more precarious because it is a matter of maintaining your FAA Medical. Did you know that sometimes you feel fine, can most likely do your job, and then fail the FAA Medical? Don't believe it can happen to you? We suggest you read and watch this.
In a nutshell, your long-term disability benefits are approximately half of your current total income with a maximum benefit of $8000/month. What affect would that have on your current lifestyle, future lifestyle and retirement expectations? What are the tax ramifications?
The chart below shows the pay structure and disability benefits for a 777 Captain:
Once again, insurance is to pay a portion of your current paycheck for the duration of your disability, or until a certain age if your disability is permanent. The questions you have to ask yourself are:
"Can I live on that disability payment?"
"Can I maintain my current lifestyle if I become disabled?"
“What will I cut out of my life? Kids college? Vacations? Dining out? New car? Retirement savings?....”
These are all great questions and we suggest you immediately call us if you are not sure on these issues. Our professionals are very well-versed on American Airline pilot benefits. They know the important questions to ask so you get straight answers and protect your family.
Look for the supplemental open enrollment link on this site in 2018.
502-882-7132 or Send a Message
Wyatt Stedman and the Disability TeamOne-on-One Meeting
Whether we talk on the phone or in person, the objective is to MAKE SURE that you have the right policy for you. This includes making sure there are no conflicts or double-coverage with the benefits package you currently have.
Custom Quote
Each quote can vary depending on your current income, the nature of your exact job, flight frequency, and other factors. If you want to save money, you get a custom quote. That's how we stay competitive and can proudly say we have the best disability program in the airline pilot community.
On-Going Support and Access
We are here. If you ever have a question, simply call us. The people that sell it, are also the people that service your account. We consider you family, so why would we send you to a call center with an anonymous voice somewhere? If you need something, call us directly.
Some Links
• AA Plan Guides
• APA Benefits Website
