Page 114 - AA 2018_11

Lose your medical, lose your job

PINSTRIPE
KIRSTY FERGUSON
A Class 1 medical certificate is a ‘must have’ for commercial aviators

when I butted in. “Your body is a pulley system,
I asked him for a perspective muscles never push, they only contract
around the physical difficulties of (or pull). The amazing aspect is that
doing his job in the confines of an muscles can get stronger. Finding an
aircraft. activity that you enjoy is important,
Straight up, he said: “There’s not as maintaining a pain-free body
much room in the back, so managing requires some effort and time. An
the patient is always tricky. Flightcrew individualised exercise program can
often have to assist. The physicality be effective in targeting problem areas
is totally different than working to reduce pain and stiffness whilst
in intensive care, or even in an increasing strength and flexibility.”
ambulance.” The restrictions of the cockpit
The experts offer a more scientific or cabin can clearly exacerbate the
perspective. physical changes that come to all of us
Greg Jones, director of Physical over time – little pains pop up, posture
Edge Healthcare, a physiotherapy issues arise, joint degeneration occurs.
and rehabilitation service based in If we acknowledge that there are
Thirroul, New South Wales, with inherent physical side effects to any
pilots among its regular clients, says role within an aircraft we can, and
flying can affect the body in numerous should, enact a management plan,
ways, including: one that prevents negative, physical
» Circadian fluctuations of biological stress responses, prolongs flying
There are inherent side effects ost of us understand that rhythms; ability, and ensures the maintenance
from any aircrew role. paul sadler the maintenance of overall » increased fluid retention in lower of that Class 1.
health and wellbeing takes limbs; To maintain a good level of fitness,
Mwork. When it comes to » dryness symptoms (due to low my advice is to seek an exercise
a commercial flying career, that humidity); regime you like, even enjoy. For
translates to sustained effort and long- » deep vein thrombosis (blood clots); me, liking a regimen is crucial. If it
term commitment to stay on top of » lower back pain from prolonged becomes drudgery, I will drop out.
medical requirements. sitting; My experiment with other forms of
The rewards are worth it. The » neck and shoulder pain; and exercise ended with pilates which has
loss of a Class 1 throws up some » weight gain. pushed me in ways I did not expect.
tough medical challenges around re- Then there is the issue of the
qualification. Aim to “maintain” rather A 2006 study into “Work-related unavoidable, where incapacity, injury
than “regain”, though, clearly, there musculoskeletal symptoms reported or diagnosis threatens or invalidates
will always be circumstances where by female flight attendants on long- your Class 1.
fate intervenes with an injury or other haul flights”, published in the journal First you should note that there
incapacity. Aviation, Space, and Environmental are a variety of restrictions that can
In other words, commercial Medicine, found that more than be applied to aviation medicals, and
aviators need to focus on two 75 per cent of flight attendants not all spell the end to a flying career.
main issues: complained of lower back, wrist, neck Be careful to obtain the right advice,
» Prevention: maintaining physical and ankle pain. correct diagnosis, and a management
health through a regular regime in As well, a 2005 report published plan, before making anything official.
an irregular work environment. in The Spine Journal showed that Each case is individually assessed,
» Regaining a Class 1 certificate prolonged sitting may alter the passive and many pilots have successfully
in the wake of incapacity or stiffness of the lumbar spine with regained their medical qualification,
medical diagnosis. potential for lower back pain. continuing to work with some
Jones puts it this way: “The human restrictions.
First, prevention. body can adapt and react to stress Ultimately, though, there will
Could there be a distinct set both positively and negatively. It be some health-related incapacities
‘Any of physical challenges for anyone is important to maintain suitable that are beyond control. A recent
Australian Aviation podcast with
strength and flexibility to reduce the
working within an aircraft, with
repetitive implications for fitness and durability? risk of acute and chronic problems Dr Jeremy Robertson talked about
life after the loss of his certification,
…while at work. Any repetitive task
The answer, I suspect, is ‘yes’.
task should from personal experience, should be counterbalanced with and how he now uses his new medical
Let me give you an example,
stretches to reduce muscle tension,
career to stay active in the world of
be counter- through a chance encounter and appropriate strengthening aviation while offering an aviation
with an RFDS medical crew
medical examination service through
exercises to reduce an overload
balanced.’ member at my local café. He of more susceptible areas that can his business based in Lane Cove,
was chatting to the barista about flying
Sydney: aeromed.net.au
cause pain.
114 AUSTRALIAN AVIATION