Re the above post.
Going to weigh into this – on the side of Avmed – (shock – horror). I know, but fair’s fair. Here’s a fellah who, like myself is ‘drug’ dependent. For me it is a simple, no harm, no foul, accepted remedy. I take my anti-cholesterol and Aspirin (religiously), everyday at the same time (give or take). It is an essential part of staying fit – not to mention the exercise.
It is an acknowledged fact: this fellah (above) had a ‘problem’ – this fellah had been prescribed a ‘treatment’. This was acknowledged and accepted by AvMed – prescribed pain relief for a condition – all up front, all honest and no restriction imposed by AvMed. Fair call I’d say.
Where the wheel comes off is when any measure of dishonesty comes into bat. Had the prescribed dose been ‘tested’ and found consistent with the prescribed dose; then, I believe, AvMed would have had no problem – 100 Mg per day (or whatever) to assist in ‘management’ of the condition – no problem. But once you are caught out, claiming 100 mg a day and ‘sneaking off’ to get more – then CASA have a problem if they discover this. It is that simple. Had this fellah disclosed that an increased dose was required – to alleviate the condition – and worked through the hoops, then, perhaps AvMed could have been able to honestly assess the ‘risk’, taken expert advice and not been forced into the AAT.
Modern medicine is stunning; but old fashioned honesty has also been around for a long time. Pilots should not need to live in fear of ‘the regulator’ – given the range and scope of the modern options for managing ‘a condition’. Perhaps it’s time to revisit the sometimes hidebound, arcane dogma AvMed must live under. Maybe change (or modify) ‘the culture’ they are forced to work within. Be shut of the old WWII ‘pilot’ requirements and move into the modern medical era. Then, perhaps – just maybe – pilots would be able to – even dare – to tell the DAME that ‘something’ ain’t right; continue to work and get early treatment. My Vet reckons early is good, earlier is better.
Just the ramblings of an old fool – but would have an early ‘catch’ of the problem above not been a better result – all around? Sure AvMed is a pain – the old school vets wanted you back to flying duties a.s.a.p. AvMed seem to want to ground you and send you off to a specialist for breaking wind twice – instead of the routine thrice before first coffee. But; at the end of the shift – how would you know whether you are fit to fly (or at risk)? (Chronic flatulence aside).
Get it sorted – soonest – then tell the truth. Cheaper, quicker, easier and better all around. Telling fibs only fuels the CASA paranoia – makes it harder for everyone.
Speech over – "another round here" – then we begin the post election BRB/IOS joint action campaign. Gods help the new no policy miniscule – whoever it is.
Going to weigh into this – on the side of Avmed – (shock – horror). I know, but fair’s fair. Here’s a fellah who, like myself is ‘drug’ dependent. For me it is a simple, no harm, no foul, accepted remedy. I take my anti-cholesterol and Aspirin (religiously), everyday at the same time (give or take). It is an essential part of staying fit – not to mention the exercise.
It is an acknowledged fact: this fellah (above) had a ‘problem’ – this fellah had been prescribed a ‘treatment’. This was acknowledged and accepted by AvMed – prescribed pain relief for a condition – all up front, all honest and no restriction imposed by AvMed. Fair call I’d say.
Where the wheel comes off is when any measure of dishonesty comes into bat. Had the prescribed dose been ‘tested’ and found consistent with the prescribed dose; then, I believe, AvMed would have had no problem – 100 Mg per day (or whatever) to assist in ‘management’ of the condition – no problem. But once you are caught out, claiming 100 mg a day and ‘sneaking off’ to get more – then CASA have a problem if they discover this. It is that simple. Had this fellah disclosed that an increased dose was required – to alleviate the condition – and worked through the hoops, then, perhaps AvMed could have been able to honestly assess the ‘risk’, taken expert advice and not been forced into the AAT.
Modern medicine is stunning; but old fashioned honesty has also been around for a long time. Pilots should not need to live in fear of ‘the regulator’ – given the range and scope of the modern options for managing ‘a condition’. Perhaps it’s time to revisit the sometimes hidebound, arcane dogma AvMed must live under. Maybe change (or modify) ‘the culture’ they are forced to work within. Be shut of the old WWII ‘pilot’ requirements and move into the modern medical era. Then, perhaps – just maybe – pilots would be able to – even dare – to tell the DAME that ‘something’ ain’t right; continue to work and get early treatment. My Vet reckons early is good, earlier is better.
Just the ramblings of an old fool – but would have an early ‘catch’ of the problem above not been a better result – all around? Sure AvMed is a pain – the old school vets wanted you back to flying duties a.s.a.p. AvMed seem to want to ground you and send you off to a specialist for breaking wind twice – instead of the routine thrice before first coffee. But; at the end of the shift – how would you know whether you are fit to fly (or at risk)? (Chronic flatulence aside).
Get it sorted – soonest – then tell the truth. Cheaper, quicker, easier and better all around. Telling fibs only fuels the CASA paranoia – makes it harder for everyone.
Speech over – "another round here" – then we begin the post election BRB/IOS joint action campaign. Gods help the new no policy miniscule – whoever it is.