Look... we can all agree that there should never be a medically unfit crewmember in the cockpit.
If we able to turn the clock time back to when we were in our early 20s, this medical would be a non event for most too. However we are not. The majority of the expats are in their late 40s and onward. Now this medical becomes a fearful event and in most cases doomed to failure.
Perhaps leveling the paying field may not be such a bad idea. Members of SWIP, and Indian Airline Pilots Union, precipitated medicasl for expats.
OK here's one for them. All Indian pilots age 45 and older resubmit to the initial medical and satisfy the requirements of an initial First Class Medical as administered by the Indian Air Force.
Now for the reality check... the DGCA will not come to their senses and have expats submit to the same renewal First Class Medicals as those in India. So the Expat Pilot Inquisition is here for the foreseeable future.
At the end of the day... as more expats continue to fail their medicals in these dark days of the Expat Pilots Inquisition, will result in less qualified crews. Less crews, grounding of aircraft.
As for the delusional Microsoft Pilots to think... the are of the opinion an auotmatic upgrade to the left seat is in their immediate future... think again. Here's one for the Microsoft F/Os... is the term LIABILITY INSURACE part of your vocabulary??? In this economy... the liability of a Microsoft Pilot in the left seat is not worth the risk of insurnace to the insurance company.
The private carriers will have to demand immediate relief or reform if they want their respective carriers growth plans to continue.
Just a thought... you know what they say... supply and demand??? too many F/Os and not enough captains??? the "F" word... can you say furlough?
Last edited by captjns; 12th Mar 2011 at 01:45.