Simviation Forum - Can i become a pilot???

Reply #30 - Oct 8^th, 2005 at 5:25pm

C Offline
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Quote:

Cheers guys, you have really helped! Wink

Im going to the RAF careers centre on monday, so ill ask about it then. But does anyone know if i can still be a airline pilot if a can't fly for the RAF?

Good luck on Monday.

The following extract is taken from the CAA website's Medical section, which is relatively detailed

http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=49

Quote:

Can I fly when taking 'over the counter', non-prescription medications e.g. antihistamines for hay fever?

Antihistamines and other ‘Over the Counter’ Medications

In a number of fatal accidents in recent years, antihistamines and other over the counter medications have been found in the dead pilot’s body. Whilst it is rarely possible for the pathologist to categorically state that the cause of the accident was altered judgement caused by such drugs, this possibility remains, especially when a known side effect is drowsiness or dizziness.

All drugs have side effects i.e. effects other than the one which is desired. Some individuals are affected more than others: some say they experience no effect, others a marked change. However, even when individuals report no effect, when tested scientifically an adverse change in variables such as reaction time and judgement can often be found.

Over the counter drugs are available for a wide range of conditions such as pain relief, coughs and colds/influenza, hay fever and diarrhoea. Many have undesirable effects in pilots. Extra care should be taken with herbal medications since the active ingredients may not be documented (or even known).

Summary

If you need medication the underlying medical condition will often make you unfit to fly

If you need medication to ‘make you feel better’ you should not be flying unless your authorised medical examiner or medical adviser (who knows you are a pilot) has approved its use. Professional pilots should take advice from a doctor experienced in aviation medicine.

If you have been taking a medication that can affect judgement, especially those with drowsiness or dizziness listed as potential side effects, a suitable period should elapse after the last dose to enable any effects to dissipate. If the dosage regime is ‘every 4-6 hours’ do not fly until 12 hours has elapsed after the last dose. If dosage is ‘every 10-12 hours’ do not fly for 24 hours.

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Reply #31 - Oct 8^th, 2005 at 7:00pm

beefhole Offline
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Quote:

But does anyone know if i can still be a airline pilot if a can't fly for the RAF?

Of course you can. It's just not as fun a route and way, WAY more expensive.

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Reply #32 - Oct 9^th, 2005 at 2:21am

Rocket_Bird Offline
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Canada

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It is a lot more expensive. If you can get commercial and get a job though (not even airline transport pilot), it can be very exciting. Though we live on different sides of the world, here in Canada, if you can get a job bush flying, you'll be making tons of money more than with an airline or military, and a very adventurous thrill to it! But like said, doing it the standard way is very expensive, so you better plan your way ahead. Personally i have considered joining the military for flying, sadly here it requires a university degree, and even so, degrees don't necessarily get me anywhere. Ive been in the army and sadly shortly there after, my health didnt hold out too great either Cry

Cheers,
RB

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Reply #33 - Oct 9^th, 2005 at 5:06am

C Offline
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Earth

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Of course you can. It's just not as fun a route and way, WAY more expensive.

Well, yes, because you have to pay (for at least) half of it!

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Reply #34 - Oct 9^th, 2005 at 12:39pm

flightmedic Ex Member

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Ive been in the army and sadly shortly there after, my health didnt hold out too great either Cry

Isn't this the story of it all? I know exactly where you are coming from. I've allready had both my knees done as well as a bulged disk fixed as well. Got to love pepper - potting and hard landings...... Roll Eyes

As for the military flying....it takes allot of work. Yes you need a degree. You can get this while in the military. I have a friend who was in Air Cadets with me many many yrs ago and this is what he did. He went to Royal Roads....while it was still open.........got his degree in Space and Aironautical Science in 4 yrs......came out an officer. He then was an instructor at CFB MooseJaw for 4 yrs teaching on the Harvard II and Hawk. He was then picked for CF-!8 quilification. He was posted to CFB Cold LAke in ALberts flying the 18 for many yrs. Last November, he tried out and was picked for the Canadian Snowbirds demo team. He now flies Snowbird # 7. His name is Capt. Mike French.

This takes a long time but if your young, have patience, and are good at school.......he go fo it.
Myself on the other hand.......decided to jump out of them instead of flying when I enlisted. I have been a paramedic for 8 yrs now and am going through a career change once my wife and I move. My wife is american and we are moving to MN. I have my PPL now with 90.3 hrs of flight time in 172 & 3.2 in 150. Up here, this cost me around the $12,000 mark. I was told I did it fairly quick as well. I flew my flight test at 45.6 hrs of flight time. I will be going to a school in MN for 1 1/2 yrs and getting an Associates Degree in Aironuatical Science. This will give me the folowing ratings once done. Comercial lisence, Insrument, & Multi ratings. As well as my CFI, CFII, CFIMulti. This whole shebang is around the $35,000 mark. This is US $$ My flight instructor up her spent $77,000 for his training as an instructor and a crop sprayer. There are some people who spend over $100,000 up here........................soooooooooooo.............long story short..........if you want, can, and have the chance to go military...................GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

The US told me that at 34yr old, I am too old to fly military now........................don't waste the oportunity like I did.

Brent

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Reply #35 - Oct 9^th, 2005 at 1:15pm

C Offline
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Earth

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Quote:

As for the military flying....it takes allot of work. Yes you need a degree.

Just to avoid any potential confusion to our British (and Commonwealth) members, to join the RAF as a pilot you do not need a degree, although many people who join have them already...

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Reply #36 - Oct 9^th, 2005 at 4:30pm

flightmedic Ex Member

Quote:

Just to avoid any potential confusion to our British (and Commonwealth) members, to join the RAF as a pilot you do not need a degree, although many people who join have them already...

hmmmm...........I'm first born Canuck from a full English family...................I take it there is an age limit there as well? for flying the miitary? Any type.
Brent

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Reply #37 - Oct 9^th, 2005 at 4:36pm

Craig. Offline
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Birmingham

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Just to avoid any potential confusion to our British (and Commonwealth) members, to join the RAF as a pilot you do not need a degree, although many people who join have them already...

To be Fair you need two A-levels which are the equivilent of a two year college degree or whatever its called in the US.

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Reply #38 - Oct 9^th, 2005 at 5:04pm

C Offline
Colonel
Earth

Posts: 13144

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hmmmm...........I'm first born Canuck from a full English family...................I take it there is an age limit there as well? for flying the miitary? Any type.
Brent

Between 17.5 and 23 on entering the service as a pilot, 17.5 to 25 for a Navigator, sorry, WSO's as they now are...

17.5 to 32 for Non-Commisioned Aircrew (WSOps, Loadmasters, Linguists etc...)

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Reply #39 - Oct 9^th, 2005 at 11:33pm

TacitBlue Offline
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Saint Joseph, Missouri, USA

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Quote:

...a gram of said tree bark could be as potent as taking 10 aspirin.

That's the point I was getting at, and you're right, people don't seem to understand that.

Also, from what I understand, something isn't legally considered a drug (regardless of what it contains) unless the maker claims that it can cure, prevent, or treat a disease. And if it isn't a drug, then the FDA can't regulate it. That's why herbal remedies never say exactly what they are supposed to do on the package.

A&P Mechanic, Rankin Aircraft 78Y

Aircraft are naturally beautiful because form follows function. -TB

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Reply #40 - Oct 10^th, 2005 at 2:03am

flightmedic Ex Member

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That's the point I was getting at, and you're right, people don't seem to understand that.

Also, from what I understand, something isn't legally considered a drug (regardless of what it contains) unless the maker claims that it can cure, prevent, or treat a disease. And if it isn't a drug, then the FDA can't regulate it. That's why herbal remedies never say exactly what they are supposed to do on the package.

This is true to a point......the FDA may not have it listed as a drug........but the FDA doesn't make the rules for flight. As for in the hospital or field situation...the FDA ain't woth the paper their so called "regulations" are printed on. That is why they are all considered to be drugs by allot of other organizations. Fortunately not everyone but the FDA has to play the political BS game. Wink

Heck, some of the drugs we can get over the counter up here are Rx only in the US. Some of the really good drugs you use daown there we can't get up here. It really is a big "were government and our "willies" are bigger" type mentality.

This is why I suggest anybody wanting to start any type of herbal remidies and is flying....talk to your flight Dr. as you could be in violation and not even know it.

cheers
Brent

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Reply #41 - Oct 10^th, 2005 at 12:03pm

beefhole Offline
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common' yigs!
Philadelphia

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But what if their willies really ARE bigger?

What then? ???

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Reply #42 - Oct 10^th, 2005 at 12:42pm

C Offline
Colonel
Earth

Posts: 13144

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But what if their willies really ARE bigger?

What then? ???

I'd rather not look if you don't mind Beefy! Grin

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Reply #43 - Oct 10^th, 2005 at 12:56pm

flightmedic Ex Member

Quote:

But what if their willies really ARE bigger?

What then? ???

That's why there polititions Beefy..................they have that 3rd leg to lean on while there stealing money from your pocket with one hand and giving you the finger with the other..... Grin

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