Hayfever and the RAF

[owen purday]

Hello, I did a search on PPRUNE about this matter but only found results relating to NC AIRCREW or PILOT roles.

I am applying for the RAF now and I need to know how my hayfever my affect my application.

I have had hayfever for a long time and I have been on presciption drugs (nasal spray, eye drops, tables) but my hayfever is completely controlled when on these.

If I dont take my hayfever medication then my eyes can swell and ill have the odd sneeze but nothing TOO major..

How is this going to affect my application for either the Air Traffic Control Officer or Flight Operations Assistant?


Thanks for your help,

Owen

[Wingswinger]

Don't tell them you have hay fever. I didn't. If I had it would have stopped me becoming a fighter pilot. I also know of a fellow who successfully concealed his colour-blindness. He's an Air Marshall now.

Many years ago the Atcherley twins Richard and David each had a medical condition which would have stopped them serving. When it came to the critical point of the induction medicals for each of them, they simply swapped places.

[owen purday]

Oh ok thanks for that!

Can they not check medical records or anything that could catch me out at a later stage?

Thanks again!

[ShyTorque]

Owen, the one thing an individual must never do in aviation is to conceal a medical condition, or to self medicate. You have no idea of the possible side effects of medication in an aviation context.

I suffered hay fever after a previous RAF medical had been passed and therefore had trouble getting in. However, get in I did and I went on to fly for all of my 18 years of service.

[gingernut]

Yes, it can be revealled from your records. You can ask to see hese records by writing to your GP (In the UK).

I would'nt advocate lying, some of the medication you take may affect your abilities. (The stuff you take by mouth more so than the stuff you spray up your nose and put in your eyes.)

At the very least, your AME should know what meds you are taking.

[gijoe]

You would be amazed by the number of serving aircrew that suffer from 'Summer colds'!

:ok:

[owen purday]

If I do tell the RAF the full extent of my hayfever is it likely that they will fail me as pilot but will accept me as another sort of Officer?

[Wingswinger]

That certainly used to be the case. That's why I kept quiet!