Throw me a freak'in bone

[andysmojo]

I am currently training with the Royal Air Force and have recently been diagnosed as type 1 diabetic. They tell me that this is not compatable with aircrew life and I appreciate for flight deck crew this is true, however, I am training as an analyst(AEOP) on Nimrod aircraft and will be living down the back with 8 others in the multi crew environment. Does anyone know of aircrew in this situation as any ammo for my case can only increase my chances of success on my pending medical board.

[JimNich]

Mate,

I hate to be the bearer of bad tidings but I do believe you're up excrement burn without an oar. There are a few black and white medical limits the quacks work to, most to do with hearing and eyesight but diabetes is one of those conditions on which they will not budge.

However, however, however. Do get a second opinion!!!!!!!! It may just be that on that particular day your blood was at its worst state and that you may be just on the verge of diabetes but usually under it. This can be controlled by diet and is worth maybe forking out a few quid to see a specialist.

Like I say, the RAF see these things in black and white so it may be an idea to go see a civvy doc and see what he says.

[Checkyour6]

I agree with JM. Get a 2nd opinion, you wouldn't be the first person to be miss-diagnosed by the quacks 'who know best'!

Good luck mate. I hope things fall in your favour.

[MightyGem]

Andy, there is an AAC pilot currently flying who has diabetes. It was diagnosed a few years ago. He was initially grounded. It was sorted by diet control and he was returned to flying, so don't give up.

[Hertz Van Rental]

The type of diabetes can be important for a Services career. If you are likely to be insulin dependant, then being deployed can be a problem. However, I think JN is right, diabetes is a showstopper for aircrew regardless. Get a second opinion and good luck.

[only1leftmate!]

If type 1 means you produce too much insulin then I reckon a lifetime in the back of the 'mighty Hunter' should suit you down to the ground. You'll scoff your way through so many choccies you won't need any med.

Good luck!

[andysmojo]

Well...'five years later on I have the world at my feet..success has been so(?) easy for me' Human League.
Cranwell was the end of the road. Managed to get on a physio degree and maybe just maybe may pop back to the mob for a stint as a civvie.
Thanks for all your advice.
Happy flying
Andy Cowderoy

[RAF_Techie101]

That would be four years...

[The Rocket]

Boom Boom...Tish :ok:

[Pontius Navigator]

We had a first rate Nav Flt Cdr on 201 who was diagnosed and although his diabetes was stabilised he was immediately grounded.

They did the good deed though and posted him to an aircrew slot in the MOD on survival equipment. Even so he retired after that tour. From what I heard he went off to uni to get a degree.

[jindabyne]

Agree with some others - get a second opinion, although might be 'difficult from within'. My son was diagnosed at UAS as a diabetic Type 1, but after 6 months he was re-tested (after his boats were burned) and his condition was put down to a 'blip'. That was 15 years ago, and he has ever since been non-diabetic. Same happened to me 6 years after I finished 27 years FJ flying - Type1 diabetic; second opinion, and 6 weeks later (no diet etc), clear as a bird. Have been years later. Funny stuff; but I guess the system will prevail.