The $uper $aver,
actually optimized.
American's $uper $aver 401(k) pairs your deferrals with a substantial company contribution. The planning question is rarely "am I contributing?" — it's whether the mix, the conversions, and the timing are right for your bracket. Here's how I work it with American pilots.
The $uper $aver levers most pilots miss.
Plan to total annual additions
With a large company contribution, the binding constraint is the 415(c) total-additions limit, not the elective-deferral figure. We plan your deferrals around the limit that actually applies.
After-tax and in-plan Roth, where allowed
When the plan supports after-tax contributions and in-plan Roth conversions, the tax-advantaged space is much larger than most pilots use. We confirm what your plan permits before assuming.
Roth vs. pre-tax by career stage
The right elective mix changes from First Officer to senior Captain. We model the crossover with your real income and adjust it each year instead of guessing once.
Smoothing variable pay into the limits
Premium and override pay make a fixed election imprecise. We align contributions to your actual pay so you fully use — but don't blow past — the annual limits.
Drawdown and the 65 deadline
Mandatory retirement is a fixed date. We sequence taxable, pre-tax, and Roth withdrawals years ahead so the transition isn't improvised.
Two American pilots,
different seats, different brackets, different timelines — should not run the same plan. Mine don't.