rusty_y2k2
20th Aug 2006, 19:20
Hey all,
I'm currently making the first steps down the long and twisty road towards pilot-dom, having just sent off my AFCO 4 and associated forms (told you it was the first steps!).
My question, as those eagle-eyed among you may have realised, is to do with hayfever. Further it is a question which I have not been able to find answered in the archives (which may say more about me than the archives, but "you's takes you's chances").
I used to have Hayfever, and indeed it is on my medical record for 3 years, ending in 1996. Obviously this is not a huge problem as regards the 4 years free of medication part - but how in the name of alphabetty spaghetti is one supposed to prove that you are symptom free, let alone how long you have been such?
Further to that, the wording "may be accepted for aircrew" after the 4 year free part worries me slightly - Is my history of hayfever from 10 years ago going to make life that much harder for me?
And one completely off topic question:
I have currently been told so many things as regards how long the selection process is. For instance the chap I spoke to at the AFCO told me that it could take 6 months or more, whereas another at the RAF stall at Farnborough Air Show seemed to paint a somewhat more speedy picture. My reasons for asking are twofold. Firstly, I am getting on in years (last year I started making noises when I sit down and stand up... scary) at 22, and am aware I need to be able to have started training before the clock chimes 24:00 at the end of my 23'rd year. Secondly, my other (some might say reserve) option is a certain commercial aviation program which has progressed with alarming rapidity in which I have already passed initial screening, aptitude tests, interview and group activities and only have a final phase to go. I would like to know how long I might have to tell them stories of relatives dying etc in order to delay my start date should I pass this final stage (I've only got two grannies and an auntie left!).
Cheers for any help, comments, or hurtful remarks.
I'm currently making the first steps down the long and twisty road towards pilot-dom, having just sent off my AFCO 4 and associated forms (told you it was the first steps!).
My question, as those eagle-eyed among you may have realised, is to do with hayfever. Further it is a question which I have not been able to find answered in the archives (which may say more about me than the archives, but "you's takes you's chances").
I used to have Hayfever, and indeed it is on my medical record for 3 years, ending in 1996. Obviously this is not a huge problem as regards the 4 years free of medication part - but how in the name of alphabetty spaghetti is one supposed to prove that you are symptom free, let alone how long you have been such?
Further to that, the wording "may be accepted for aircrew" after the 4 year free part worries me slightly - Is my history of hayfever from 10 years ago going to make life that much harder for me?
And one completely off topic question:
I have currently been told so many things as regards how long the selection process is. For instance the chap I spoke to at the AFCO told me that it could take 6 months or more, whereas another at the RAF stall at Farnborough Air Show seemed to paint a somewhat more speedy picture. My reasons for asking are twofold. Firstly, I am getting on in years (last year I started making noises when I sit down and stand up... scary) at 22, and am aware I need to be able to have started training before the clock chimes 24:00 at the end of my 23'rd year. Secondly, my other (some might say reserve) option is a certain commercial aviation program which has progressed with alarming rapidity in which I have already passed initial screening, aptitude tests, interview and group activities and only have a final phase to go. I would like to know how long I might have to tell them stories of relatives dying etc in order to delay my start date should I pass this final stage (I've only got two grannies and an auntie left!).
Cheers for any help, comments, or hurtful remarks.