Sick Leave as a Pilot

[HomerJay]

There's no straight forward answer to this I know but I am just getting a wee bit worried.

I have a PPL and Class 1 medical and currently half way through my atpl exams.

The problem is my immune system did a legger somewhere. I pick up a lot of bugs and colds and my asthma brings on the odd chest and throat infection every few months. To clear up the asthma, I told the medical examiner everything so its is controlled and mild enough to fly.

However, I'm worried that if I do get a job flying somewhere the added stress and cabin air is only going to bring on more sickness.

I have tried countless things to improve my immune system but I am still struggling. Doing the exams has only made me more passionate about becoming a pilot and I just want to see if anyone thinks this is going to be a major problem with an airline. To be fair I have had no sick days in work for a few months but this might change at any time.

I would appreciate any advice.

Thanks,
HJ

[Shunter]

It would be completely dependent on the employer. Some airlines are very good with sick leave (a certain Dutch airline provides superb support to its staff in times of sickness, but that's perhaps due to more comprehensive Dutch employment law?). A certain low-cost carrier based in the north of England gives you ZERO in terms of sick pay during your first year, and not a right lot after that. Fine, there's always statutory sick pay, but that's a joke.

It's a how-long-is-a-piece-of-string question really. The package will differ depending on who you were to work for. You may wish to search the terms and endearment forum for sick pay and see what turns up.

[HomerJay]

Thanks Shunter.

To be honest its not the pay I'm worried about at all.

It's whether the regular sickness will be seriously frowned upon and might get me in hot water, sent to specialists etc.

Also just wondering in general if anyone else has a similar problem and is working in an airline or has overcome it.

[gingernut]

The problem is my immune system did a legger somewhere

Has anyone actually told you this?

[HomerJay]

It was just a joke, I presume your post was too.

[gingernut]

No, I was being serious.

Non specific cough/cold/sore throat symptoms every few months, with complete recovery inbetween, may be considered par for the course, I just wondered if someone has actually established a problem with your immune system, or your making that assumption?

Cheers(Ginge)

[HomerJay]

Ah I see. No I'm just making the assumption as I am sick so often. Even in between infections I will pick up colds quite often which affect my sinuses as well.

When I have mentioned it to the doctors his reply is always yes there's a lot going around these days.

[gingernut]

Always difficult to give specific advice via the internet,, but reading between the lines, it sounds like your within the range of what's considered 100% normal.

I'd be a little careful you don't medicalise a problem which doesn't need medicalising.-it sounds like your quack has given you sound advice, believe me, there is a lot of it around

Of course it's important to control your asthma.

As regards keeping your immune system in tip top shape, the usaul crap about keeping fit, eating fresh fruit and veg, watching your weight etc etc applies, but be careful of any claims for potions and pills. If they were that good, I'd tak'em meself. Good luck with your career.

[low n' slow]

How old are you? Apparantly it's quite common to get frequent colds and flu like symptoms in the late teens and early twenties. I've had a qouple of years with frequent (one week ill per 2 months...) illnesses and many weeks in total away from work, but now it's picking up and I haven't been forced to stay at home for over a year now.

I wouldn't think too much about it really, eat healthy, make shure you get all the vitamins and get lots of fresh air, that should do it.

/LnS