Continental Airlines Frequently Asked Questions

When should I file a claim?

When your medical condition or treatment prevents you from exercising the privileges of your 1st class FAA medical certification.
It is NOT necessary to wait until you exhaust your sick time. In fact you should file a claim as soon as possible when you know that you will be out for an extended period of time.
If you file a claim more than 12 months after your date of disability, you may be denied.

How are my benefits calculated?

You multiply your blended or hourly rate x 85.5 and divide that number by 2. This equals your gross monthly LTD benefit.
Maximum monthly benefit is $7,500.00 per month.

What is the Definition of Disability?

“Disability” or “Disabled” means in the case of a Company Pilot employed by the Company whose Disability Date is on or after January 1, 1998, or a Company Pilot employed by ExpressJet whose Disability Date is on or after December 14, 1998, (i) the Participant’s loss of his or her Federal Aviation Administration Medical Certificate for reasons other than alcoholism or drug abuse, or (ii) the Participant’s failure to pass a Company physical examination due to medical reasons other than alcoholism or drug abuse.”
Alcoholism or drug abuse is an exclusion under this Plan.

How can I receive claim forms?

By contacting Harvey W. Watt & Co. at 800 241-6103 and asking for the Claims Consultant handling the Continental Airlines LTD Plan or downloading it from the Harvey Watt Continental home page.

What is the claims process once Harvey W. Watt & Co. receives a completed claim packet from a pilot?

The Claims Consultant reviews all the claim forms and makes a determination as to whether or not the illness or injury meets the definition of disability.
The Claims Consultant meets with the Continental Airlines LTD Committee on a monthly basis and provides a written recommendation to the LTD Committee.
The Continental Airlines LTD Committee then votes on whether to approve or disapprove the recommendation from the Harvey W. Watt & Co. Claims Consultant.

What are some of the Plans Provisions?

There is a 90 day non paid elimination period from the date of disability.
In additional to the above 90 day elimination period, the pilot must also exhaust all sick time.
It is not necessary to exhaust vacation time unless deemed necessary by the pilot.
For pilot’s whose disability date occurs after 12/12/07, coverage is through age 65.
There is a 24-month Lifetime Mental Nervous Limitation.
If a pilot is disabled for more than 8 months, they must apply for Social Security Disability Income as this is an offset from the plan.
Other plan offsets include, Worker’s Compensation and State Disability Income.