Originally Posted by
Dracma
FYI....A few years back I was in the same position. The Flt. Ops Specialist explained that when DSA is in play, pilots have the option of using it or having the trip (or in your case portion of trip) dropped without pay. Because pilots have that option, legally the company can't touch a pilots DSA without permission. In my case they contacted me and asked what I preferred to do. Doctors note wasn't required back then, but I hear these days they require one at every opportunity.
Can you expense your co-pay for a managment required doctors visit?
The need for medical documentation (i.e. a Doctor's note) is in the contract
Section 14.D.2. Administration
a. A pilot who wishes to utilize his disability sick account shall notify his Regional Chief Pilot of the nature of his illness or injury and, if requested, provide medical documentation. A pilot may utilize his disability sick account under any of the following conditions:
i. The pilot's application for a medical certificate has been denied or the pilot has been advised by an aviation medical examiner or the Company's Aeromedical advisor that he is or may not be entitled to exercise the privileges of his medical certificate; or
ii. The pilot has sustained an illness or injury that is anticipated to result in the pilot's missing more than 36 CH; or
iii. The pilot has exhausted his regular sick account.