Captain physical shape - is it important?
 

Somewhat unusual experience today. As I was walking the jetbridge, I saw in front the captain (4 bars) walking to the plane. He's of fairly advanced age (which is reasonable as he's likely a senior captain at UA), but also - the guy was quite obese and seemed to have a bit of trouble walking. He appeared to stop mid-jet bridge to catch his breath, as I walked very slowly behind him. He appeared somewhat winded as he entered the plane, talking to FAs. Was carrying a very large sandwich too (I'd say at least 2000 calories there - I count mine, so I am fairly good at estimates)

I realize flying is essentially a sedentary occupation, and probably not conducive to good physical health. Still, someone this large and with evident fitness issues probably is not in the greatest cardiac health. How does that work with potential stress of handling difficult situations under pressure?

Just to be sure - I am not posting this to complain or single out this person. I am more interested whether there are any general requirements for fitness and such for pilots, and how do they work in cases like these (and because I've never seen something like that before, just curious)

They do have to pass regular flight physicals. So if he is flying doctors feel they are fit enough to fly.

Luckily, there are two pilots, each capable of flying the plane. Theoretically, a pilot can still fly while in a condition that would be deemed (at his next physical) unfit to fly. There is a time period between pronouncements of "fit" from one physical and "unfit" at the next.

I know, that's why I wonder what those requirements are.

Should be more on this one, actually. I think they have relief crew on TPAC. I am not specifically worried about it - more curious than anything. If I had to guess, the guy has a short time left till retirement and drs probably cutting him some slack.

Hope this is ok to paste here...

https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...ide/standards/

He'd have a First Class Medical. So you can rest easy: no diabetes, no clinically significant coronary heart disease, and a blood pressure less than 155/95. First Class Medicals are good for 6 months.

155/95? geez... thats well into hypertension...

Am I the only one curious what a 2000 calorie sandwich looks like!?

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...48af316470.jpg

I would hope his flying copilots would feel at liberty to raise, and be enable to raise any concerns to the airline if they felt that his performance or health was a serious issue.

Luckily we can do away with yearly checks of their health and be satisfied when someone determines their sandwich has too many calories in it.

Hypertension is about long term health, not will they die here and now (unless it's really low or really high), but awesome to have someone so qualified go through the legal health requirements to fly and determine that they are wrong.

Drunk? :rolleyes:

Seems to be the trend amongst pilots rn!

Are we talking about round or square/rectangular shape?

pear shaped.

your average hoagie with cheese, some kind of meat and mayo easilyclocks at 2000 calories. then there are melts and, of course, philly cheesesteak.

Those who have reached their 40th birthday are required to have a medical every sixth month including a yearly EKG. Also, all visits to medical professionals must be reported.

Jersey Mike's subs seem to run in the 500-800cal range according to the menu. Would take a lot of mayo to stretch that out to 2000.