ATSB – Albany – Report.
The ATSB report into the in flight breakup of a C210 is – HERE - . It is brief, but to the point.
"The ATSB found that for reasons that were not established, abnormal operation of the aircraft produced high levels of unusual aerodynamic loading on the right wing that exceeded the strength of the wing and initiated an in-flight break-up and impact with terrain.
"The aircraft did not have a pre-existing structural deficiency or damage that would have contributed to the in-flight break-up and the local meteorological conditions were not conducive to inadvertent aircraft overstress.
"The ATSB found that the presence of methyl amphetamine in the pilot’s system increased the risk of operational misjudgements and aircraft mishandling, and pilot incapacitation. This did not necessarily contribute to the accident.
"The pilot had worked for a number of organisations which had the required risk controls for problematic alcohol and other drug (AOD) use in place. There was no data that indicated a systemic problem with problematic AOD use in Australian aviation.
Recently an airline pilot was reported with an addiction to Oxycodone.
“Although oxycodone brings relief for many people suffering from traumatic pain, the dangers of the drug are becoming more clear than ever. Due to the euphoric effects of oxycodone, many people abuse the drug despite the risks. Those who begin abusing oxycodone on a regular basis are likely to develop a dependence on and/or an addiction to the drug. Oxycodone is extremely addictive because it is derived from opiates, making it similar to morphine and heroin.”
I did a light- quick & nasty – search on the net to try and get an idea of what ‘aviation’ may face – statistics and facts – which, to one not familiar with the size and scope of the problem was quite alarming. I have friends who have struggled through ‘addiction’ with their children and seen the damage done – to all. It never occurred for minute that there may be problem among the pilot fraternity, yet the research indicates the use of ‘drug’ s in not restricted to anyone particular group of society. “Booze’ has always been a pilots mate and occasional enemy – the DAMP system of random checks seems to be effective enough; I myself moan and groan – but, alas it is a necessary evil. Mind you, the chances of getting caught out on the road to the airport are greater – particularly during the holiday period, when the local Bobbies are on the roads, rather than at the family BBQ.
But, I am familiar with the effects of ‘Booze’ and can object to working with someone clearly ‘suffering’; although I’ve never had to do it. But, being older and never exposed to ‘drug related’ symptoms, how am I to know what’s what? There is a strong defence mechanism – the DAME being the first brick in the wall; DAMP the second and of course your own native common sense.
But I wonder – is there a case for a screen test at every medical? It’s a hellish problem for Avmed – the whole world up in arms, cussing and spitting; damning CASA for being a tyrant etc. However, you can’t fly if you are unwell, you can’t fly three sheets to the wind and legless – so why should the potential for drug use escape the list? Blood testing is part of every medical, so why not extend it to an extra test – to be sure, to be sure. The other sider of the coin is the Avmed induced paranoia of loss of licence for having a wart on your Willy. Right -
Coat - Tin hat – Taxi!
The ATSB report into the in flight breakup of a C210 is – HERE - . It is brief, but to the point.
"The ATSB found that for reasons that were not established, abnormal operation of the aircraft produced high levels of unusual aerodynamic loading on the right wing that exceeded the strength of the wing and initiated an in-flight break-up and impact with terrain.
"The aircraft did not have a pre-existing structural deficiency or damage that would have contributed to the in-flight break-up and the local meteorological conditions were not conducive to inadvertent aircraft overstress.
"The ATSB found that the presence of methyl amphetamine in the pilot’s system increased the risk of operational misjudgements and aircraft mishandling, and pilot incapacitation. This did not necessarily contribute to the accident.
"The pilot had worked for a number of organisations which had the required risk controls for problematic alcohol and other drug (AOD) use in place. There was no data that indicated a systemic problem with problematic AOD use in Australian aviation.
Recently an airline pilot was reported with an addiction to Oxycodone.
“Although oxycodone brings relief for many people suffering from traumatic pain, the dangers of the drug are becoming more clear than ever. Due to the euphoric effects of oxycodone, many people abuse the drug despite the risks. Those who begin abusing oxycodone on a regular basis are likely to develop a dependence on and/or an addiction to the drug. Oxycodone is extremely addictive because it is derived from opiates, making it similar to morphine and heroin.”
I did a light- quick & nasty – search on the net to try and get an idea of what ‘aviation’ may face – statistics and facts – which, to one not familiar with the size and scope of the problem was quite alarming. I have friends who have struggled through ‘addiction’ with their children and seen the damage done – to all. It never occurred for minute that there may be problem among the pilot fraternity, yet the research indicates the use of ‘drug’ s in not restricted to anyone particular group of society. “Booze’ has always been a pilots mate and occasional enemy – the DAMP system of random checks seems to be effective enough; I myself moan and groan – but, alas it is a necessary evil. Mind you, the chances of getting caught out on the road to the airport are greater – particularly during the holiday period, when the local Bobbies are on the roads, rather than at the family BBQ.
But, I am familiar with the effects of ‘Booze’ and can object to working with someone clearly ‘suffering’; although I’ve never had to do it. But, being older and never exposed to ‘drug related’ symptoms, how am I to know what’s what? There is a strong defence mechanism – the DAME being the first brick in the wall; DAMP the second and of course your own native common sense.
But I wonder – is there a case for a screen test at every medical? It’s a hellish problem for Avmed – the whole world up in arms, cussing and spitting; damning CASA for being a tyrant etc. However, you can’t fly if you are unwell, you can’t fly three sheets to the wind and legless – so why should the potential for drug use escape the list? Blood testing is part of every medical, so why not extend it to an extra test – to be sure, to be sure. The other sider of the coin is the Avmed induced paranoia of loss of licence for having a wart on your Willy. Right -
Coat - Tin hat – Taxi!