For most of us, flying is an experience we love, especially if using miles and points to make the journey as comfortable as possible. We gaze out the window at the clouds, marvel at the miracle of flight, and calm ourselves down during any turbulence, telling ourselves 'this is perfectly normal.' But some people have…
Continue reading: UK Pilot Fired After Developing Fear Of Flying
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As a doctor, no one is going to, nor do I expect anyone to pay me or give me other jobs while I work out my fear of blood.
Courts in UK have gone mad, I do agree that he developed that fear while working, but if a pilot has a fear of flying any sane airline in the world would fire that pilot. He was hired to fly not to do other jobs.
Personally I think there’s a fascinating legal argument to be made that the airline is culpable since he developed the condition on the job. I feel bad for him as most pilots have a true passion for flying and I think most pilots would agree this is a very sad predicament for him to be in.
Same thing happened to me! I developed a loathing of my 9-5, stopped going in, and they fired me! Who could know???
If you are legally-minded and want to read the full judgment, it is here: https://www.gov.uk/employment-tribunal-decisions/mr-m-guest-v-flybe-ltd-1301761-2017
Spoiler: There was 2/3 chance that had Flybe acted fairly the guy would have been fired anyway.
The airline offered an alternate job which he refused. That's what ought to be made available to a newly disabled employee. I don't see any unreasonable behavior by the airline.
The duty to accommodate the employee'd disability can't supercede a real risk to the safety of the passengers.
Have a read here James. No "fear of flying".
https://www.balpa.org/Media-Centre/Press-Releases/BALPA-response-on-pilot-fear-of-flying-story
If there's a chance a pilot with known anxiety issues could relapse during a flight, they should not be able to fly any duration of flight, on any aircraft, for any airline. There is a maximum age for pilots for a reason. This situation isn't much different, and arguably has more evidence to support it than the age limits.
would recommend to duly read the attachment. i'm slightly concerned that he needs to be exposed to cockpit environment, otherwise doctors are unable to evaluate his is fit to fly. or how he reacts when exposed to different flying situations. then on the other hand apparently he is fit to fly. well, his solicitor would do anything for money right? for pax's safety though? hm. i prefer the term be careful. i'm not convinced this person will ever be really fit to fly as a pilot.
do any of us want to be on a plane with this guy flying?! I don't think so. I feel bad for the guy, but this is exactly what these medicals are there for. we don't want another Germanwings incident or something. if he is afraid to fly, he shouldn't be flying passengers around, or did I miss that he would be holding the LIVES of countless other people in his hands!
There seems to be a lot of focus on the fear but not much information on what happened to trigger it or other underlying issues such as anxiety. What happened on this “unsettling” flight to Florence? Was it due to airline procedures? Follow up? Other things? Why would a long flight cause distress but not a shorter one? It seems like those elements are not known so it is very hard to understand or comment on this.
@ James
"For most of us, flying is something we love....".
You've got to be joking! The truth is that "most of us" have to fly for business and leisure trips, and try to make the best of it. But to claim that more than a relatively small percentage "love" the experience is wrong. You should try to think a little more than you think, before you write what you write.
I'm not moaning (I do that enough on other stories), but what process do you go through when you write these stories? Just paraphrase the website you copied or actually look into it? It didn't take long to discover this is complete nonsense.
Matt - About 25% of the population has mental health issues at some point in their life. Do you really think it's practical to sack a quarter of all pilots?
Not to mention, what would you do if you were a pilot and knew you'd be sacked if you reported your issue? Under your suggestion they would most likely suppress it and carry on flying. Under the current guidelines they'd stop flying and get the help they need. Which do you really think is safer?
@ A Consumer - I'll reduce it to 'many of us', but would still argue many of us ('us' being OMAAT readers) would read a blog about flying in their spare time because they enjoy flying!