dirtysidedown

Let's see, checkride every six months, 1st class exam every six months, and now this cr@p. This job is getting to be a real PIA!

skypilot35

I spoke to my AME about the new rules. He said unless you fall asleep in mid-sentence it's not a concern. Chat with your AME's and get a feel for how they intend to implement this. If your Doc is gonna take a hard line on it, it might be time to find a new Doc.

The BMI table is just part of the equation. Look at the other questions on the survey. If you answer those questions with a "yes", and you are over on the BMI chart , then you MAY be a candidate for a sleep study.

klondike

There's always at least one smart *** in the fricking group.

Ray Red

What has ALPA been doing this whole time? oh, they were busy with the #denynai campaign.

The BMI thing is a total joke. At 74 inches it says I can be 148 pounds and still be in the normal range. Normal for a person who has been dead for month.

IFLYACRJ

The whole thing is a joke. It's targeting pilots of larger stature. I'm not obese nor have a large neck size. My BMI was last checked around 31 and I have moderate to severe OSA. Nobody is going to admit to an AME they're tired all the time or wake up every morning like they're hungover.
Most of us who have OSA don't realize they have it. I can tell you from experience getting a medical back from OSA is not as easy as the FAA advertises. It's much more an involved process. If you're employed by an ALPA carrier, ALPA aeromedical is a huge help. I don't know about IBT, but I'm sure they have some sort of aeromedical services.
Plus getting a sleep study is a challenge getting insurance to cover it. I'm certain insurance will not cover a sleep study, which mine were over $7,000 each just because the FAA says so. You'll have to have a doctor write an order for a sleep study and the reasons why. He or She will get some additional paperwork they'll have to fill out so insurance will cover this.
My advise? If you're chronically fatigued, see a physician and consider a sleep study.
OSA has practically destroyed my career and almost ended my marriage. Plus undiagnosed, sleep apnea can kill.

exwaterski

So if insurance doesn't cover you have to come up with several thousand dollars for a sleep study or lose your job? Wow. I feel for the poor regional FO who gets caught up in this.

EuroMexPilot

Did I understand it's BMI greater than 35 AND neck size greater than 15.5"?
Meaning both criteria must be met to check the box?
I'll agree though, 15.5 neck size is tiny!!
However, BMI over 35 is pretty large.
I'm at 31.5 and feel HUGE at the moment.
Even when I lost weight and my BMI was 26.5, my neck was still 17"
Will be interesting. I've still got a few years till I'm 50 though.

exwaterski

Nope they are each a strike. You are safe for now but when you turn 50 you will have 3 strikes.

121again

If somene is considered to be at "high risk of OSA" by checking 3 boxes I don't see where the AME has a lot of discretion. It seems it's the FAA who's decided to take a hard line on this not the AME.

N9373M

I had it taken care of before my next medical. Never spoke to the AME, just showed him the paperwork/test results that showed: I had it, saw my regular doc, and got rid of it (name the movie). Medical issued.

Was on CPAP for a while, then opted for the surgery. Presented that paperwork at the next medical and was good to go.

Insurance paid for all. (Fed BC/BS)