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Pilot weight question

Discussion in 'Aviation Chat' started by Charyn, Jan 1, 2008.

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  1. Charyn

    Charyn Rookie

    Jan 1, 2008
    1
    #1 Charyn, Jan 1, 2008
    Hello, I have an odd question, and need help and/or advice. I have a family member who is a pilot for one of the larger airlines. We live in two different states. He is severely UNDER weight and possibly bulimic and/or anorexic. Is there any FAA requirements about this? Who or what do I do to get him help? He did go in for a physical (if you can call it that) but the female nurse or Dr just said that she likes "thin men", not seeing how "thin" this man really is. I'm sure he didn't discuss his binge eating, or self induced vomiting with her either. I want to know if anyone has any advice on what I can do to step in and force him to get help. All of the talking and crying isn't doing any good anymore. Please help...........
     
  2. bwassam

    bwassam Formula Junior

    Jan 3, 2005
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    Robert Wassam
    #2 bwassam, Jan 5, 2008
    Check with AOPA on this. Also there's a whole section in the FAR's devoted to medical certs and what will or will not disqualify a person to a medical.

    Getting the guy to lose his medical probably won't cure the guy of any dietary problems. He needs care in the sense of correcting his diet. I wouldn't go to the FAA. I'd go to some professional for help. I don't know who, but I'm sure there is someone who will agree with your point of view on this.

    Bob Wassam
     
  3. imported_Wasabe

    imported_Wasabe Rookie

    Dec 21, 2007
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    #3 imported_Wasabe, Jan 5, 2008
    If your family member is flying for a major, he has a first class medical. If he is older than 40 I believe, he would have to have an EKG which requires taking off his shirt at which point the doctor would most likely question his size, "maybe" each doctor is different. If he is anorexic and bulimic, he has got to hit a wall, and his carrier will be short lived. I would let him know that you are so intent on finding him help that you have resorted to blowing the whistle on him and discussing options with others in his profession, and that you will take to the FAA or as far as you need to take it to get him help. I think that you are doing the right thing, hopefully it is enough.
     
  4. GrigioGuy

    GrigioGuy Splenda Daddy
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    Nov 26, 2001
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    #4 GrigioGuy, Jan 5, 2008
    The doctor is a trained professional, and has just said your family member is healthy enough to pilot a passenger jet. You, on the other hand, sound like a hysteric. I would advise staying the heck out of the situation. I know that if a family member butted in and screwed up my career, that would never be forgiven.

    My $.02
     
  5. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
    Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

    Dec 1, 2000
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    Southlake, TX
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    Rob Lay
    #5 rob lay, Jan 6, 2008
    Men do get eating disorders, I’ve known someone with one years ago, if they truly have a disorder then it is serious and the person is unlikely to be able to help themselves. I do agree with Tillman that a doctor will know more than anyone else, but doctors do overlook things and make mistakes, have a 2nd opinion and give them a heads up to look for it. If they still come back no issue, then don’t worry.
     

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