According to the FAAs body mass index guidelines, Im not obese but, like many Americans, I should lose some weight. Ive long known that I should retrain myself to reach for an apple-or better yet a carrot-when Im hungry, instead of some chocolate or junk food. Yeah, Im workin on it, um, real soon now. Now, the FAA is, too.
The FAA now mandates Aviation Medical Examiners to refer pilots with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 for sleep studies, citing concerns about obesity, sleep apnea, and fatigue.
Aviation organizations like AOPA and EAA object to this directive, arguing there is no scientific data linking BMI to accident rates and that it imposes unnecessary expense and inconvenience on pilots.
The author questions the FAA's priorities, suggesting that pilot fatigue might be more effectively addressed by factors like demanding flight schedules rather than just BMI, and welcomes upcoming comprehensive rest requirement overhauls for airline pilots.
According to the FAA’s body mass index guidelines, I’m not obese but, like many Americans, I should lose some weight. I’ve long known that I should retrain myself to reach for an apple—or better yet a carrot—when I’m hungry, instead of some chocolate or junk food. Yeah, I’m workin’ on it, um, real soon now. Now, the FAA is, too.
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