I'm right on the edge on BMI and about a 17" neck so needless to say I've already put myself on a diet as soon as I heard about this. I feel like a high school wrestler trying to make the next weight class. If this is the FAA's backdoor way of forcing us all to lose weight it's working. :mad:

Sadly we can't make this thing go away, because we don't like it or want it!

Unfortunately, many of us will have to play by these new rules.

I wouldn't be surprised in the next year or so, if we see half the Airline Pilots carrying a CPAP machine, besides their Flight Kits and Suitcases, as they walk through the Airport Terminals.

BMI seems like a poor guideline for this, as several have already said, but what it is, is what it is.
Just a FAA technique to tag SO MANY for this test is my guess.

Anyone out there have any positive input on this matter ????

Thanks

To GoneGolfing,

ALPA Medical should be able to give some guidance on best way to proceed.
Ask them the CORRECT way to assemble your upcoming paperwork/file, so it passes FAA muster on the first try.
If they have a sample file they would give you, that would be awesome.

Don't go to the Sleep place and expect them to know the FAA guidelines.
If you do, chances are they will give some sort of Insurance type paperwork, or maybe a generic statement that you are OK, etc.

I would bet there is an absolutely correct way this stuff should be written and presented when it goes back to your AME, and you better get that information from ALPA, before the sleep doctor visit, so you can leave with all Papers and Statements and Tests in hand.

Best of luck.
You'll make it through this one!!!

Thanks Jabr800.

I can't be the only one over these limits. Anyone else out there have to deal with this yet? PM me.


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Is it something the AME can do? Or are we all going to have to pay to go to a shrink to get tested? (That seems to be what all of the media is pushing for)

When I went through this, mouth guards were not an acceptable option, just like the t-shirt with a tennis ball sewn in the back.

Did CPAP for a while and then the U3P surgery.

Hey Celeste,

I know almost nothing on this subject at this time.
Here is my source.

FAA to Examine Mental Health of Pilots | AirlinePilotCentral.com

I don't think it's going to be as big a deal as everyone is thinking. Ultimately, this is going to affect a lot of pilots. The FAA knows this. They don't want you to stop flying, they just want pilots to get treated for any undiagnosed issues. I will likely be one of those that are told I need to get further evaluation and have to go to a sleep specialist. Do I think I have sleep apnea? No. I don't snore hardly at all and I feel rested when I wake up. I dream most nights and I know that's a sign that I am getting REM sleep. But hey, it's just another hoop to jump through. And if I have OSA and I have to get a CPAP machine and show proof of successful treatment so be it. It is what it is. I would rather know I have a condition that should be getting treated than to go on without treatment for something I might need.

Hey chrisreedrules,

Excellent answer in my opinion.
We aren't going to have many choices in this, so we might as well get through it.

As said before, the people that get treatment, actually are finding out it does help.

I've talked to a couple captains that have cpap machines and they said they slept so much better after getting it. They said their qol without a doubt improved greatly. It might cost some money, but hopefully it helps some guys sleep better and lose weight. Might end up being a good thing.