Now here's a chance, in the run up to the last weekend before the one where the British put their clocks back, for the relevant exercise of a little light sense of humour.
There is of course no criticism implied or intended and neither should anything be inferred other than the excuse for a hearty laugh.

Notorious BIG declared too fat to have street corner named after him - News - Music - The Independent

Talkpedlar, you seem to have a bee in your bonnet about my age and my size, I'm sure if we met you would see I'm not as big as you think.

I have looked into this career choice in depth and have spoken to many people across the board in the helicopter industry about these two issues and my intentions with regard to employment.

All feedback so far (apart from yours) has been positive along with meeting successfully employed instructors that didn't start flying until quite a bit further along in years than myself! I have had the sense not to soley approach schools eager for my money from training that would ultimately lead to me being told what I want to hear.

The CAA have requested further tests to satisfy them that I am eligible for a Class1 medical certificate, and I have fulfilled the additional requirements they have set out. If you know of other cases where they keep coming back with the hope of bullying a "big guy" out of the industry I would be interested to hear about it.

I have flown with the chief instructor of a well known and respected company who is a big chap who didn't start his PPL(H) until he was 38, so your view doesn't really hold a lot of water (IMHO) and I would of thought an "old boy" like yourself would have been a little more encouraging, but you old boys do get a bit grumpy and negative in your old age don't you:).
I appreciate your opinion(s) and have taken it on board so you need not mention it in every other post;)

The appointment with the AME cardiologist went very well today and he is pretty certain his report will satisfy the CAA as the additional checklist requested has been completed. If they still come back with a no then I will pursue the other helpful suggestions posted on this thread, giving up isn't one of them.

Josh

That's the spirit! Never ever give up. There is always a way out, somewhere.

Please keep us informed.

The airlines also have their own limits set - less generous than the CAA! You may have to go through their own full day medical where they will re-measure weight/height... BMI limits of 30 not uncommon. Others you might be luckier "weight/height in proportion" not measured.

I'm afraid this issue will be with you well beyond licensing stage.

Just to update.....
After having a cardiologist report and medical flight test report completed and sent back to the CAA I have had the Class 1 medical issued, now looking forward to jumping through the same hoops next year:{

If it's any consolation at all, you probably WON'T have to do all that. Class 1 renewals can be done with local AME's rather than the CAA at Gatwick. They are much less likely to be difficult about an issue like this, especially if, as you have made clear, you are actually otherwise a very fit person !

Best of all, though, would be to make quite certain of sailing through next year's renewal by losing a worthwhile amount of weight in the interim ! What better New Year resolution could you make for yourself ?

Good luck ! :D

joshg

Good to hear you got through the medical.

Previous posters are correct, the renewals are less strenuous. Choose am AME and stick with him/her.

As for loosing weight, take up smoking, then it wont be the problem it has been. That will satisfy the imbeciles at EASA.

Words fail me ; they really do. Oh, I know - "I was only joking".
Yes, just like those who joke about bombs in their luggage while going through security ! :ugh: :ugh:

And, since I am one of those who implements the standards set by EASA, I'm none too happy with the word "imbeciles" either. :ugh: :ugh:

If you read this thread properly Joshg is not obese. BMI is a scneening tool not an assessment of obesity. some of the subsequent remarks are way out of line.

This may merely be the first case and more may follow. I agree the word imbecile is unacceptable. It is merely a new policy that needs thinking through and modifying.

Joshg I think you should politely write to the CAA on the basis that the screening is flawed. There are many experts in bariatrics, indeed a big centre exists at the private hospital at Gatwick :ugh::ugh::ugh::ugh:

I am no expert but a five minute consultation with a nutritionist or bariatric consultant would have been cheaper, faster and more 'accurate' than what you appear to have been subjected to.

Ulster

"As for losing weight, take up smoking."

There lies the irony. The aviation authorities allow smokers to pass a class one medical initial but fail a guy who is a bit bulky and who is highly likely to be a non smoker.

Are you trying to tell me that a smoker in the cockpit, is less of a danger, than a non smoker, considering the psychological and physiological problems a smoker who cant give up, will have?

That is the case and yes it is imbecilic, allowing an addict into the cockpit, who apparently has no regard for his or her well being. If they don't have their own well being at heart, what guarantee is there they have their passengers well being considered?

Words fail me too.

Maybe because aside from the fact they smoke, they hold a Professional Licence, have a desire to do a good job, and also to reach each destination in one piece also? Just because you smoke (and yes, it is a terrible habit) it doesn't automatically preclude someone from wanting to live on a daily basis.

I agree that physiologically it would appear odd not to pass a candidate who doesn't smoke (all other factors being the same), but psychologically?! really? just because I smoke, doesn't automatically make me a danger in all other areas of my life.

F/o