ATCO's with Asthma
 

Hi guys

Just a quicky!

Does anyone know if being an Asthmatic will affect my chances of becoming an ATCO?
I've applied many times for the Armed Forces in the past, sometimes lying about my Asthma, and it has always held me back. I have also applied for other 'high intensity' jobs where i've been told my Asthma would stop me from getting the position.

Can anyone put my mind at rest as i dont want to put myself through the apptitude tests on tuesday, if i'm going to face this heart ache again!!

thanks for your time guys

One thing is for sure - you'll never get an answer from NATS before you go through the mill of the selection.

I would say play it down - say, as "slight tendency..." or similar. Only you know how much trouble it is or might be. Unfortunately - and obviously you are a typical example - doctors will immediately classify you as "asthmatic" for the slightest symptom and there it is on your medical record, which can then screw you for possible employment in later life. On the other hand, if stress or similar can bring on an attack, perhaps do yourself a favour and avoid any occupation where it would be an embarrassment.

Was there not a section on the application form asking you to state any medical conditions? If you fail to do so, you might get found out.

Future ATCO, check your PM's...

Future ATCO

I am an Asthmatic and have been recruited in Australia & Eurocontrol. I stated
it on all occassions in my applications and have NEVER had a problem. Not sure about NATS but it is not a problem for other organisations.

When i did my medical for NATS before joining I had to do what they refereed to as the extended medical, it consisted of first blowing into respersitory machine taking measurement of lung capacity and flow I think, then stepping on and off a box about 20inches high 100times with a constant rhythm (sounds harder than it is, after about 70steps :eek: plus i'm fairly tall, but if shorter in the leg department imagine it would be even harder) taking a measurement then and after 10mins to see how quickly i recovered from the exercise, I passed but I only have mild asthma and don't smoke.

HTH.

First thing - ring the medics at Gatwick and have a word with them. They should be able to offer you good advice.
Second thing - never, but NEVER, lie to the medics in any way shape or form. So you lie and get a job.. but would you like your wife and kids to be on an aeroplane controlled or flown by a pilot/ATCO who may have a serious medical problem?

I get what you're saying, but at the age of 21 i've had asthma all my life, but my last attack was when I was 2, however I still have my inhalers and only use them in the morning when I wake up and when I go to bed at night (habit) but it hasnt affected my ability to fly safely. I'd say the ruling could come down to how severe that the asthma may be.

Had asthma since a kid but it only really started in the early 80's. Never had any problems with a class 1 medical. The asthma is of an allergic form and only to cats and horses. Luckily we don't get many of them on the flight deck so no problem.
Rgds
ILS

Sorry this needs to be said eapecially to HD.
Do you not remember the times when we used to have wine and cheese in the approach room, curry and beer, all on a night shift. Also the ATCO's who used to go for a couple of pints in T2 during the night shift. I would be far more concerned about that rather than someone who can relieve slight wheezing with an inhaler.