On the recordFebruary 11, 2014
As a general aviation pilot myself, I was shocked when the FAA Air Surgeon, Dr. Fred Tilton, announced a forthcoming guidance to require additional testing for pilots, as was mentioned, with the arbitrary numbers of a BMI of 40 and a neck size of 17 inches. Not only did he indicate in December that the FAA would move forward with this new guidance on sleep apnea, but that it would challenge Congress by saying: If Congress passes a law to force industry consultation, we will be compliant; but until they do so, we will move forward with our guidance. Today, Congress is acting against the FAA's egregious assumption that these pilots pose a safety risk if untreated. When it comes to the general aviation community's safety record, there is simply no data or evidence to suggest that sleep apnea--or any other medical issue for that matter--is the cause behind general aviation accidents. In fact, most of these accidents happen as a result of weather. GA pilots know that, every time they get into a plane, they are taking their own lives into their hands as well as the lives of others. So, naturally, pilots are not going to knowingly put themselves into an unsafe situation. What is so absurd about this process is just the medical certification in general.…
