A case study released by the Australian Air Pilots Mutual Benefit Fund (AAPMBF) has highlighted the need for pilots to protect their income should they lose their Class 1 medical status.
Virgin pilot Simon Brownscombe has relied on income protection twice in his career, and believes pilots need to look after their incomes in the face of rising numbers of Class 1 medical rejections.
His first experience occured in 1994, when he was a 33-year-old Skywest pilot and his eyesight started failing unexpectedly. He was grounded for nine months whilst his condition was treated.
“I had no other source of income during this period, no sick leave and no accessible savings once I had paid for my medical costs," he said. "With no prior symptoms or warning about the medical condition I found myself without an income and a young family to support. Luckily I had been a member of the AAPMBF for five years and they supported me financially throughout my treatment and time off work."
Thirteen years later, Brownscombe was with Qantas when he tumbled from a roof and broke his arm in eight places. The result was two operations and five months in plaster. His accrued sick leave didn't cover the total rehab time, forcing him to fall back on the Fund once again.
"My second claim with the Fund was made only a few years ago proving how important it is for pilots to maintain adequate financial protection throughout their aviation career. I have learnt the hard (and painful!) way that you can never anticipate when you may find yourself unable to work and struggling to pay your bills.
“The Fund has continuously provided me with comprehensive protection and unwavering personal support. As the organisation is run purely by pilots, for its members, it offers a unique life-line for pilots. When you call to make a claim they understand your predicament and ensure you are financially supported to help you to get back into the air.”
The number of rejected Class 1 medicals is on the rise, with CASA's 2011 annual report putting the figure at 31 annually, a 47% increase over the previous year. Both Brownscombe and the AAPMBF are concerned that pilots are not adequately covering their income should they be taken of flight status for extended periods of time.