What Happens If I Lose My Medical at Delta Air Lines?

Pilot’s Portfolio

In this detailed solo episode of Pilot’s Portfolio, Timothy P. Pope, CFP® walks Delta pilots through everything they need to know if they lose their medical and can’t fly. From contractual long-term disability benefits and the Delta Pilots Mutual Aid (DPMA) program to ALPA’s voluntary insurance options, Tim explains how to layer your benefits, understand offsets, and evaluate your real financial protection. This episode is packed with actionable knowledge to help Delta pilots build a smarter, more secure plan in case their career takes an unexpected turn.

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• Delta’s Disability Structure: How 50% of your final average earnings are calculated and taxed.
• Offsets That Matter: What other income or benefits can reduce your disability payout—and which won’t.
• DPMA Explained: How the mutual aid program adds 25% tax-free coverage and survivor benefits.
• ALPA Disability Plans: Breakdown of base, plus, and lump sum disability coverages—and when they kick in.
• How to Strategically Layer Coverage: Understand how different timelines and policies combine to protect your income across short- and long-term scenarios.

Resources:
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This episode is sponsored by: Beacon Relocation

Beacon Relocation is a real estate firm helping pilots and air traffic controllers save money on their real estate transactions. By tapping into their network of over 1500 real estate agents across the country, pilots can save 20% of the real estate agent’s commission towards your closing cost on the sale or purchase of your home. Visit https://www.beaconrelocation.com/ to learn more.

Timothy P. Pope is a Certified Financial Planner™and principal owner of 360 Aviation Advisors, LLC (“360 Aviation Advisors”), a registered investment advisory firm. Investment advisory services are provided through 360 Aviation Advisors, in its separate and individual capacity as a registered investment adviser. Podcast episodes are provided through Pilot’s Portfolio, in its separate and individual capacity.

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