Originally Posted by index

sailing,

I acknowledged that there have been rare infrequent uses of the company wading into a pilot's medical records because of concerns about a pilot's competency to operate an aircraft. Let's put that to bed now because that is NOT THE ISSUE THAT HAS PILOTS CONCERNED.

It's the opposite situation...pilot calls in sick because he can't comply with FAR 61.53 (see requirements below), then gets a form e-mail from Flight Ops regarding the pilot's obligations while out on sick leave, sometimes followed up with a "fireside chat" with the friendly CPO, under the auspices of just "checking to make sure said pilot is "okay," and to make sure said pilot understands that he knows he "has to call in well once he's well" (gee, thanks for that nugget...who woulda thunk that?), and to make sure said SICK pilot is comforted by knowing that the CPO can answer all of said pilot's questions about use of sick leave...blah blah blah. It's similar to the multiple hoops a pilot must jump through when refusing to extend. It's all scripted to be very "friendly" but the message is clear. We're watching you. We're documenting everything. We're here to "help."



FAR 61.53: Prohibition on Operations During Medical Deficiency

• Operations that require a medical certificate. Except as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, a person who holds a current medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter shall not act as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required flight crewmember while that person:
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  • Knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation; or
  • Is taking medication or receiving other treatment for a medical condition that results in the person being unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation.