The Aerotoxic Association
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The problem is most acute at high power settings, ie take-off and climb. I once snagged a BA 737-400 for fumes at take-off and it came back on line 'no-fault-found' - at which point I found out they had done low power runs. When I made a fuss and they ran it at 90%+ .......................................
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Glad I found this thread and would welcome any advice. I have been flying for 25 years and a couple of years ago started flying 733. After about 6 months I started to have my doubts about the job and flying in general, as time has moved on I began to dislike my job more and more to the point where I loathe going to work and stepping inside the aircraft. I work for a reputable company and dont understand why my passion for flying should take a nose dive. I even had a share in an aircraft which I sold at the end of last year. I now find that my dislike for flying is affecting my performance. I am thinking of seeking psychiatric help as things dont add up. In the meantime I am setting myself up with an alternate career because I see a progressive downward spiral. Pointers advice most welcome. Thanks
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Hello Winkle
Sorry to hear of your difficulties. As a first step, I would recommend you look at the Aerotoxic Association website and check if your symptoms match with those of exposure to contaminated air to sensitive individuals (note not everyone who is exposed to a particular dose will become symptomatic). This list should give you a good idea of the liklehood of Aerotoxic Syndrome (AS) being responsible.
Difficulty with simple tasks is commonplace with AS. I note that you say you have started flying the 733. I never heard of such a type - is this a typo, and if so might it perhaps be an indication that all is not well upstairs? If you do have AS, unfortunately you will not be alone.
It seems that pilots suffering from AS are often misdiagnosed by their GPs with depression, an understandable mistake as this is the next closest fit to the typical AS pattern of symptoms. Antidepressants are then a likely prescription. However antidepressants usually make things worse - the last thing a pilot needs after a toxic exposure is another one in the form of a pharmacutical, especially an unnecessary one.
As regards seeking psychiatric help, please be aware that psychiatrists do not in general have any knowledge of AS.
Good luck, and I hope you will let us know how you get on.
Warm regards
PPD
Sorry to hear of your difficulties. As a first step, I would recommend you look at the Aerotoxic Association website and check if your symptoms match with those of exposure to contaminated air to sensitive individuals (note not everyone who is exposed to a particular dose will become symptomatic). This list should give you a good idea of the liklehood of Aerotoxic Syndrome (AS) being responsible.
Difficulty with simple tasks is commonplace with AS. I note that you say you have started flying the 733. I never heard of such a type - is this a typo, and if so might it perhaps be an indication that all is not well upstairs? If you do have AS, unfortunately you will not be alone.
It seems that pilots suffering from AS are often misdiagnosed by their GPs with depression, an understandable mistake as this is the next closest fit to the typical AS pattern of symptoms. Antidepressants are then a likely prescription. However antidepressants usually make things worse - the last thing a pilot needs after a toxic exposure is another one in the form of a pharmacutical, especially an unnecessary one.
As regards seeking psychiatric help, please be aware that psychiatrists do not in general have any knowledge of AS.
Good luck, and I hope you will let us know how you get on.
Warm regards
PPD
Last edited by pilotpantsdown; 23rd Jul 2007 at 20:31.
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Hi winkle,
You asked for advice and from what I see on the thread the advice has been good.
I applaud you having the gumption to seek psychiatric help. One word about this; actually, several words.
Firstly. it needs to be ascertained whether or not your condition is physical. The physical can have an effect on the emotional/mental system. If it is caused by organophosphates there are specialists in this field.
Secondly, while psychiatrists are meant to be able to differentiate between physical and mental changes they are not necessarily experts in organophosphate poisoning (and the mental/emotional changes that occur through this form of toxicity.)
Thirdly, psychiatrists will most probably use a pharmaceutical product on you. If the initial diagnosis is wrong, and if you do have organo-phospate poisoning, then you will add more toxins to an already toxic body. I do not know of any research that supports this view; it is a personal opinion.
Fourthly, psychiatrists are different from psychotherapists. If you need help with handling the emotional fall-out from your reluctance to fly, I'd recommend psychotherapy.
Fifthly, have you considered that what you are doing is having a reality check? Maybe your instinct is right! An alternative career might be the right thing to do. Who needs psychotherapy when they are exercising wisdom?
I trust all goes well with you, stay in touch.
You asked for advice and from what I see on the thread the advice has been good.
I applaud you having the gumption to seek psychiatric help. One word about this; actually, several words.
Firstly. it needs to be ascertained whether or not your condition is physical. The physical can have an effect on the emotional/mental system. If it is caused by organophosphates there are specialists in this field.
Secondly, while psychiatrists are meant to be able to differentiate between physical and mental changes they are not necessarily experts in organophosphate poisoning (and the mental/emotional changes that occur through this form of toxicity.)
Thirdly, psychiatrists will most probably use a pharmaceutical product on you. If the initial diagnosis is wrong, and if you do have organo-phospate poisoning, then you will add more toxins to an already toxic body. I do not know of any research that supports this view; it is a personal opinion.
Fourthly, psychiatrists are different from psychotherapists. If you need help with handling the emotional fall-out from your reluctance to fly, I'd recommend psychotherapy.
Fifthly, have you considered that what you are doing is having a reality check? Maybe your instinct is right! An alternative career might be the right thing to do. Who needs psychotherapy when they are exercising wisdom?
I trust all goes well with you, stay in touch.
Last edited by Gorgophone; 12th Aug 2007 at 11:30. Reason: spelling typo
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aerotoxic synrome
Keep up the good work guy's. And don't give up hope. As long as everybody keeps shouting about the problem there must be an answer.. I'm not able to fly any more due to problems on the BAE 146, but if you keep smiling every day, at least they can not say your mentaly ill.
Hmm or did you had to be to get youre flying license in the first place.
anyhow, i'm taking legal actions against the compagny i'm flying, or better said flew with. And maybe it's just me, a litlle bug against the big guys, but remember this, mosquito's are the number one killer in the world because they can carry malaria.....
As well i'm trying to start a new life besides flying, but a lot of sympthomes make my day to day living somethimes a living hell.
Please feel free to react with any questions or advise.
Always smiling,
Hmm or did you had to be to get youre flying license in the first place.
anyhow, i'm taking legal actions against the compagny i'm flying, or better said flew with. And maybe it's just me, a litlle bug against the big guys, but remember this, mosquito's are the number one killer in the world because they can carry malaria.....
As well i'm trying to start a new life besides flying, but a lot of sympthomes make my day to day living somethimes a living hell.
Please feel free to react with any questions or advise.
Always smiling,
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senecaadp
Remember that some airline managers will perjure themselves, and withold evidence even when subject to court orders to stop you winning. For them safety is not the primary concern, its the balance sheet. Loganair is the case in the quoted example.
(1) http://www.publications.parliament.u...09/809we40.htm
— The CEO's evidence, was not genuine"[<A href="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmtran/809/809we40.htm#note39">39] and it seemed to us that either he was withholding information asked of him, or, if as he so often repeated, I can't recall", then plainly the reason was because of his total disinterest in the details of the case, the events of which admittedly took place..."
Remember that some airline managers will perjure themselves, and withold evidence even when subject to court orders to stop you winning. For them safety is not the primary concern, its the balance sheet. Loganair is the case in the quoted example.
(1) http://www.publications.parliament.u...09/809we40.htm
— The CEO's evidence, was not genuine"[<A href="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmselect/cmtran/809/809we40.htm#note39">39] and it seemed to us that either he was withholding information asked of him, or, if as he so often repeated, I can't recall", then plainly the reason was because of his total disinterest in the details of the case, the events of which admittedly took place..."
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The IPA have decided to circulate to their members a questionnaire on behalf of the BBC Panorama programme which is planning to produce an investigative look at cabin air quality.
If anyone outside the IPA wishes to take part I'm sure the IPA or Panorama would be able to let you have a go. The IPA are co-ordinating responses which are to be 'anonymous'.
For those of you in the south of England there is a film screening in Brighton, Sussex tomorrow, Sunday:
From the IPA email
Also, for those of you who live within an easy drive of Brighton and are interested in the subject, the documentary film “Welcome Aboard Toxic Airlines”
( www.welcomeaboardtoxicairlines.com) which premiered last Friday in Paris, will be shown in Brighton for one screening only.
Cine City film Festival this Sunday 2 December 2007 at the Sallis Benney Theatre at 11h00
http://www.cine-city.co.uk/2007/event/?id=130
As far as I can see there is a £3 entry fee for the film, but the web site will give more info.
If anyone outside the IPA wishes to take part I'm sure the IPA or Panorama would be able to let you have a go. The IPA are co-ordinating responses which are to be 'anonymous'.
For those of you in the south of England there is a film screening in Brighton, Sussex tomorrow, Sunday:
From the IPA email
Also, for those of you who live within an easy drive of Brighton and are interested in the subject, the documentary film “Welcome Aboard Toxic Airlines”
( www.welcomeaboardtoxicairlines.com) which premiered last Friday in Paris, will be shown in Brighton for one screening only.
Cine City film Festival this Sunday 2 December 2007 at the Sallis Benney Theatre at 11h00
http://www.cine-city.co.uk/2007/event/?id=130
As far as I can see there is a £3 entry fee for the film, but the web site will give more info.
