I'll be sending out a BIG thank you soon.
In the mean time....
A Six Month Check Up
As I alluded to before, one of the many arduous tasks for any pilot's job is trying to keep it. There’s recurrent check rides every six to eight months, medicals, annual route checks, Transport Canada knocking at the door, annual recurrent training, and any day I go to work we have to be on our game.
For an airline pilot over forty, a medical must be done every sixth months. Part of it requires a pilot to be hooked up to probes for an ECG every year and every two years – blood work.
For blood work, it requires fasting and what a night for that to happen – Halloween! I couldn’t indulge in the mound of candy my son brought home.
Every medical requires a quick eye exam. With me, and others my vintage, we are reluctant to admit glasses are now a part of life. Because of it, it’s a bit of a work out for the nurse. But she handled it well. Then a “pee” in the bottle to check for diabetes and a weight check. I lost 4kgs (9lbs)! I don’t know which is the culprit for the weight loss: this week’s ordeal, my fasting, me carrying extra winter poundage for my spring medical or having changed my work out regime in the gym. Or maybe it’s a combination?
I asked the nurse how pilots react to giving blood. It sounds we are just like the rest of the public. Most tolerate it while others get very light headed. She jokingly says she always takes the ECG reading before taking blood or else the readings would be well…a little high. I must admit, I didn’t watch the needle go in required for the three vials of blood.
The exam with the doctor requires a blood pressure check, peripheral eyesight check, other little tests, and a hernia and prostate check. Ahem….
The doctor was relatively new to the company, but a great guy! I watched him try to read another’s doctors scribble on my file. It took about ten minutes of piecing it all together. For those out there (I think I mentioned this before) if you have computer skills/medical background then there is a niche to be filled. Putting the patients medical history on a file…so all the doctor has to do… is peruse over the patient’s file. Of course it must be Transport Canada approved so good luck with that part. :) :)
Well... I get to keep my license for another six months!
Also on Halloween I received a call from crew sked, my annual route check has been moved up two months. This Wednesday (tomorrow) I get to fly with a “check pilot” for two days making sure Captain Doug sticks to the script!
It's good to be back. My wife may not be so happy but....
40 comments:
Great that you are back Captain and congratulations on a good medical.
Commiserations, however, on the route check!
Christopher. I thought Daniel in Halifax was fast on the draw. I think you win first prize although it's close!
After this week, tomorrow doesn't look so bad. If you stick to the script, as almost all pilots do, then there shouldn't be a problem!
Captain Doug
:P I just got on the computer after an hour of homework. My dad was making sure I get it done before I go to the tower tonight with my ground school class. Next time ! :D
Glad to have you back ! Be nice to the check pilot ! He could be your friend... or not. ( Hope its Richard, then you have nothing to worry about :D )
Glad to see your back. I always enjoy reading your posts. Have a good check ride!
Daniel. Yeah, Christopher beat you to it! No, it won't be with Richard. I don't recognize the name of the checker - which is a good thing! :)
Thanks Tom. It will consist of six legs in two days. Captain Doug
Glad your back Captain Doug!!
Hope you have fun with your Check Pilot!!! Or not....
Have Fun!
The Winnipeger,
Adam
Nice to see that you're back. Even though I didn't really expect any posts I've checked the blog multiple times per day these last couple of days.
Is checker familiar with your SOP? They have to be, right?
Good luck!
Edwin
HI Adam. Thanks. I'll be heading to Montreal and back and then down to Halifax. The next day will consist of
a Fort Lauderdale turn out of Toronto.
I see you Winnipegers are enjoying some nice weather!
A "check pilot" or a "check airman" is an Air Canada pilot. We have an entire department that does route checks, base checks (released to the line)
and simulator check rides. These guys are qualified to fly both seats.
Winnipegers are having great weather, considering what we had last week! Are you flying the A321 to Fort Lauderdale?
The Winnipeger,
Adam
Adam the Winnipeger
As far as what airplane I'll be flying to FLL, I didn't look that far. But yes, I've taken that bird there.
And speaking of weather, looks like Florida is basking under some warm temperatures. The only glitch
is...afternoon thunderbumpers may be lurking.
We are z+13 here Captain. I always check "From the Flight Deck" over breakfast!
It is my addiction you see....
Christopher. Zulu plus 13? Who's time zone is that?
:)
Doug
AKL Captain. Strictly z+12 plus DST.
AC don't fly here although CP used to, and I used to work as a res agent with CP.
Closest AC come is SYD with daily 77L equipment.
Ah Beautiful Auckland! Yes, it's a shame AC doesn't fly there. I heard you have a gorgeous country. I dated a girl from Christchurch many moons ago. Gee...I'm starting to have flashbacks.
I better get back to studying for tomorrow's check ride.
:)
Thanks from Canada
Captain Doug
Welcome back Captain,
Medical info - far too much there: bloods, prostate, etc. Makes me feel queasy just thinking about it.
Good luck with the check ride - TS Tomas seems to be slowing and heading NE rather than N so KFLL may not be as breezy as it could have been.
Kind regards,
IanH
Ian H
Glad to be back. Looks like Tomas is just south of Jamaica and doesn't plan on visiting Florida. That's a good thing!
Sorry about the medical info. But if you feel I'm deviating a little too much on any post by all means
fire a warning signal across my bow.
I must pack my bags ensuring I have my freshly stamped license with me.
Now...two days of fun....
Captain Doug
two words. "Thank Goodness!" :P
-Andrew
Apologies, Doug - I should have close my comment on the meds info with one of these: ";)". My mom was a nurse, so was my wife and her mom was a medical sec, and well used to "doctor scrawl"!
Have a "fun" time ;)
IanH
You scared us there for a little bit Captain. Good to have you back.
Hello Doug
I'm so happy for your come back :)
Good luck with your check pilot.
Nadia
Glad to have you back!! I was checking every day and I did get a bit giddy seeing a new (and happy!) post tonight!
Congrats on the clean bill of health and I hope all your flights go smoothly!
Heather
Andrew. That's what I said, "thank goodness!" :)
IanH. My mother and sister were both nurses. In fact, my sister was born on Halloween. She only made to age 49. It teaches you one thing, life is short!
Thanks for the frequent comments!
Captain Doug
Nathaniel. Sorry for scaring you guys. It must have been a Halloween thing! :)
Captain Doug
Nadia, Nadia, Nadia (That's how many times you wrote and I never replied back).
Désolé
You have a heart of gold!
I will be in "La belle province" this morning. (YUL)
Merci
Nadia
Heather. You too have great spirit! Thanks for hanging in there!
I hope YYC is treating you well!
Captain Doug
hey Doug nice to have you back. For your medical testing glad you made out ok. Myself where I have diabetes I do have go for regular blood testing every six months along with that 12hr fasting. Dont worry my blood sugers and colesterol(sp) is good. I think I know I have diabetes is it because I am too sweet,lol. Once again nice to have you back, Chris
Speaking of your prostate check
http://ca.movember.com/?home
Congrats on the medical and welcome back! Have "fun" on the route check. I know you'll do great!
Tim
Captain Doug,
Welcome back, we need you around for the 'long haul'! Besides, I want to hear all about your transition into the B767 and eventually the B787!
YYC Dispatcher
Welcome back, Captain Doug. Look forward to seeing more posts so that we may continue to learn!!!
woohoo! welcome back!! we thought we had lost you at one point - and best of luck with your check-flight(s). Assessments - for any decent job - a part of life.
Chris. Glad to to be back. As far as diabetes, many governing authorities are allowing pilots to fly with diabetes. I've flown with two diabetics.
Captain Doug
Hi Tim. You were spot on! I did well but I'm worn out. Thanks for persevering! Doug
Adrian. I must confess It did set me back. When a fellow colleague lambastes you, it tends to bite a little harder. I never met the guy, but we exchanged emails and phone calls. I asked him to visit my blog and perhaps comment now and again to give my blog another dimension.
Adrain, thanks for taking the time to email!
I'll give it my best shot to keep the posts going.
Again, thanks for the visit!
Captain Doug
YYC Dispatcher. Yes, that would be a long haul if I'm still doing this when the B787 arrives!
Doug
Hi Dan Thanks for the beautiful "sun" shot.
That's a good way of looking at it. Another Day!
Doug
Michael. Good way of putting it...continuing to learn!
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