BTW
I agree, everybody is entitled to their opinion, unfortunately opinions which appear to based on ignorance achieve very little other than antagonism.
Your argument that nicotine deprivation can cause anxiety is fair, but the anxiety caused will vary from person to person. As an ex smoker I can say that it is quite easy to go long periods without a fag and not be adversely affected.
Further, nicotine can be supplied through alternative products that are inoffensive, i.e. chewing gum, patches, inhalators. The greatest problem for those giving up smoking is breaking the habit and not the addiction because of the above products.
Anxiety can be caused by many other things, your argument fails to acknowledge this. Do you stop people flying because their partner, spouse, child, parent etc. is ill? Do you stop somebody flying because they are going through a divorce? Just two examples of situations which can cause anxiety.
So p*ss off and, as I said, try thinking before exposing us to your thoughts.
As for the health risks, a medical should be able to pick any major risks. It is widely accepted that smoking can lead to lung disease and heart disease, but it does not automatically do so. Many people who have never smoked suffer unexpected heart attacks, the purpose of a medical is to ensure fitness to fly - if a smoker is fit to fly then their employer has no right to stop them because they don't like smokers, they can stop them smoking in company time but not in their own time - it is legal after all.
[This message has been edited by jollygreengiant (edited 30 May 2001).]
[This message has been edited by jollygreengiant (edited 30 May 2001).]