If a guy is depressed and suicidal, why is giving him meds and letting him risk hundreds of other lives the right thing to do?
I think the FAA has EVERY reason to ground you if you are seeking psychiatric help. Its not about punishing the pilot, its about protecting everyone else.
Do you want a guy flying an ILS to mins who's considering suicide? Do you want to be around when that kind of guy gets a bad call from home/scheduling/an ex-spouse?
I'm very sorry this guy offed himself. I don't think him doing that makes a case for either A) softening medical requirements or B) changing age 60. (I mean, c'mon...if he's gonna kill himself who gives a $hit if its at 60 or 65? Its stupid!)
There are resouces without medical help for stress. HIMS programs, counselors, clergy, etc. However, if you a prozac popper or livin' on paxil, I don't think you belong in the position where you are responsible for so many lives without redundant backup. You say "we have a crew...", but the captain is still the boss and who's to say your F/O isn't equally depressed.
There is a reason for medical standards. Stay healthy. Stay sane. But don't ask me for a lot of pity if you go off and shoot yourself.
Well Dr Albie, I'm glad we now have your take...
What you fail to acknowledge is that they DO seek help. Problem is they seek it from a bottle of JD. Personally, I'd rather have a pilot thats been treated by a PROFESSIONAL flying that ILS than an F'n DRUNK dealing with the DT's. Personally, I'd MUCH rather have a pilot who is treated and evaluated as safe by a competent DOCTOR flying my ILS than some guy hiding his depression.
Your mind is a chemical computer. Some times the chems are off. If someone can get their mind "fixed" with chems, then please explained what the problem is?
Do you have a problem with someone who has to take meds for high cholesterol? High BP? How about someone who has to take an aspirin to fix the occasional headache? Do you have a problem with someone who finds that running fixes their moods?
You are not a medical professional. Now go jump up and down on Oprah's couch Tommy.