I had a chat with an AME (Aviation Medical Examiner) yesterday about the problem of fumes from the BAe 146; he practices from a major 146 base in the UK. I have been flying them for the last 15 years.
It became apparent that he wasn't aware of the problem at all. At one point he mentioned something about 'germs in the air conditioning' which told me that he had no idea that it was an oil based source.
I was quite shocked that he knew nothing, especially as there was a conference about it this spring etc. He also said that the CAA don't tell AME's what is going on.....
So my questions are - Do you think it strange that this Doctor is still totally unaware of the problem? Is it not part of their job to keep up with events? Shouldn't the CAA have advised them?
I can assure you that if you ask a professional Doctor for his opinion about the issue and he genuinely denies any knowledge that it even exists, should I be surprised or worried?
I would be interested in your thoughts, chaps and chapesses.