BoilerUP

I don't like the FAA coming up with an arbitrary policy change that makes pilots guilty of OSA until proven innocent, based on a metric (BMI) that has widely known and acknowledged flaws.

That said, obesity is a major public health issue in this country...and we've all seen the walking heart attacks (of all ages) waddling into cockpits around this country.

There are THOUSANDS of pilots that would do themselves a huge long-term benefit by losing 10-20 pounds, reducing blood pressure and glucose in the process (both of which are major issues for professional pilots). I halfway think this very public notice was a not-so-subtle shot across the bow by OKC, knowing it would never go into effect, to get people to make healthier decisions of their own accord.

FlyingKat

Agreed. My point was that this was so out of line that once all the alphabet groups got their lobbyists going this policy would change. I expect their will be some kind of obesity/sleep apnea policy, but will be limited to those that show obvious symptoms and have BMIs above 35 or 40, although I could see it going to 30 as it appears that is the likely target for the BMI police.

That being said, those of you cheering this on better be careful. You guys that are skinny as a rail but have to run to the bottom of a jetbridge because you are feigning for a cigarette after every leg? Well I've seen more of those guys keel over dead from a heart attack than I ever have seen from sleep apnea. So you could be next. You guys that are rushing to get to the hotel in time for a beer before the 12 hour rule hits? Hey 30% of drinkers are hard core alcoholics so even though you don't show any signs of being one, we'll just have to suspect you are one because you enjoy the occasional beer.

My point here is this could open a pandoras box of big brother nosing his way into your private life and it may go in directions that you really may not like. We're all big boys (no pun intended). As long as you pass your blood pressure, sugar, and other general health observations that should be enough. Obese people will have other issues besides sleep apnea that will cause them to have problems on medicals. Cheering the FAA on to go after the "FATTIES" may sound good, but allowing the FAA to go on fishing expeditions just because someone "might" have a problem is a bad idea that could come back to haunt everybody.

Airhoss

BMI..

This guy is morbidly obese according to modern BMI standards...

Just sayin, it's a flawed metric.

FIIGMO

As long as the CAT RANCHERS get tested as well..... bring it on.... Of course I know few CAT RANCHERS with a BMI south of 60..... just sayin

johnso29

Agreed, but 30 is still pushing it IMO, and I'm inside 30. I could see 35 and up though.




Agreed again. 100%.

JamesNoBrakes

But we want skinny attractive flight attendants.

FlyingKat

That's why you go to work for Etihad or Emirates. Say what you want about them, but they do have smoking hot flight attendants.

Left Handed

Dude, look at all the funny bumps that guy has all over his body. That guy must be sick or something. He's all swollen up. I hope he gets better soon. Besides, all his fat is in his cankels. You just can't
see it in that picture.

Grumble

I know three pilots that have had to jump throught their ass to keep flying due to OSA, all three USAF guys, all three in superb shape.

HappyCrew

+ 1,000.. What this ^^ guy said.