CP # 486 –"Given the profound consequences for the careers of pilots and aspiring pilots, and the disruption caused by the correspondence with AOC holders, CASA would not merely invent or exaggerate the implications of some "recent medical research". That would not only be intellectually dishonest: it would be unlawful."
Half Baked " If they can't it smacks of bullying, harassment and victimization of CVD pilots.
One of the more subtle, even subliminal side effects of this 'smear' campaign the Pooh-Shambollic system is trying to run are the 'residuals'. Two candidates for a position – one CVD; subconscious memory "Oh, wasn't there some issues with CVD pilots raised by CASA a while back, best not stir that pot". FLICK. The culture of fear is deeply ingrained; an office wallah would have no concept of the arguments or issues; simply two facts CVD plus CASA = Trouble.
It's bad enough that there is an overt grab for glory; but once that is caned, the residual notions will unfairly discriminate against a CVD pilot. The construct supporting a 'clean' medical certificate, issued on the spot by the DAME has real merit.
While I'm 'at it'; the entire 'application' form is in need of an overhaul; the signed confession is discriminatory and readily lends it's self to a deteriorating safety standard. An honest, responsible man (or mannette) may confidentially own up to recurrent in-grown toe nails and seek the advice of the medico; but is this any business of the 'administrator'?. No; so why the invasive 'questions' – what a doctor treats a patient for is strictly 'private'. All the administrator needs to know – is the candidate fit to fly (Yes or No) pick one. If Yes, pay the fee, place certificate in wallet and bugger off; if No, take the tablets and go into the desert; come back when you feel better.
To have that 'private' information available to the Hoi Polloi clerical staff and to have someone, not your doctor pawing through your record and deciding whether or not any condition precludes safe operations is risible, an invasion of privacy and a poke in the eye to your own, qualified, accredited DAME who is not trusted it seems to issue your license. The tension generated by the two month wait, after the examination to see if you have been issued a certificate is a constant niggle; (Q) "Can you fly next Monday?" – (A) "Dunno, medical extension expires Sunday, I'll let you know when (if) it arrives in time". The next hour is spent on the telephone pleading for your paperwork to be delivered. This is a bollocks - it's a money making racket, built into an incompetent, bureaucratic, Shambollic empire, by a self serving, self aggrandising megalomaniac.
There, better now.....