My example isn't referring to the majority it's refering to the minority and the fact that once big brother gets a hold of a new regulation they will place everybody in that same bucket. High BMI is high BMI in their minds no matter how you are built or how fit you are, just ask mother Air Force.

What a PITA this is going to be as many doctors don't understand the difference between high BMI and fitness they simply look at the numbers. Just wait until mother FAA sinks her teeth into it.

My BMI is above 30. I am 6'4" weigh 255 LBS, have a 36" waist a 50" chest my mile time as of last week was a 6:24 and I dead lift over 400 LBS. I do Cross-Fit about three days a week and am a certified MMA trainer. I destroy dudes with much lower BMI than myself on a daily basis in the gym, on the track and on the padded floor. While higher than recommended BMI is not necessarily an indicator of obesity, a low BMI is not in any way shape or form an indicator of fitness. BMI was designed as a tool to solve a much larger puzzle than the number itself but it has become a religion with some in the medical world. The very same folks who brought you high carb low fat low protein diets as the cure all in the 1980's. How'd that work out?

If you really want to measure fitness do a PFT and check percentage body fat. That is a true indicator of fitness, BMI is simply a number, a part of the equation but by no means the sum indicator of health.

Who said anything about fitness?


Seriously. Did the Federal Air Surgeon say anything about fitness? Did you even bother to read what he wrote?

The problem in his sights is Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and there's a very strong correlation between OSA and BMI. It's just that simple.

It has nothing to do with who you can destroy in the gym.






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Hey if I were in charge I would evaluate people on their "MBI" not "BMI". The "Man Boob Index" is way more accurate;)

Let's just make CAT scans a must for 1st class medicals. Then we would see who is at risk and actually save lives?

I must say I'm saddened by the number of people on this thread worshipping at the alter of government without a care in the world of the blatant violation of your rights. Don't worry, one day they'll come for you.

Well said!

Actually Tony I did read Fred's report. And you need to read up on fitness, BMI and OSA. Fitness and body fat are a huge piece of the puzzle in regards to OSA indicators. But thanks for your input anyway.

This could burden the GA population in a big way. I'm assuming the guidelines apply to all classes of medicals??

I knew a guy a couple years ago. Local private pilot, owned a 172 and had been flying for years. He wasn't skinny by any means, but your typical 45 year old American, I guess. OKC deferred his medical pending a sleep apnea study. The test was over $4000. He just said f** it and sold his plane.

My guess is that a lot of recreational type flyers would do the same if faced with the same situation. Another expense that will put GA out of reach.

You must be using a different BMI calculator than this:

Calculate Your BMI - Standard BMI Calculator

On that one, your BMI is 35.

AOPA has organized against the proposal so I assume that CAMI is not only targeting commercial aviation.

AOPA to ask FAA to suspend implementation of new sleep apnea policy - AOPA

Agreed, and well said.