Judge backs swooning pilot's return

A former Air New Zealand pilot prone to fainting has won the latest round in a legal fight to resume flying.

Geoff Paterson, of Auckland, was examined last week in an attempt to get a medical certificate to resume his job as a Boeing 767 captain. But his bid to return to his job remains uncertain, with aviation officials likely to appeal against his latest court win.

Mr Paterson, 52, was grounded in February 2002 after he fainted during a work layover in Tahiti.

He appealed against the Civil Aviation Authority director's decision not to accept an independent reviewer's recommendation that he should receive a medical certificate, provided he passed a medical examination and flew with other pilots.

In Wellington District Court last week, Judge Peter Butler allowed the appeal, and reversed the director's decision.

A Civil Aviation spokesman said the authority was still considering the judge's decision but an appeal was likely.

Mr Paterson said he had had nothing but support from fellow pilots and no one was reluctant to fly with him.

"Every single pilot I have spoken to has shook my hand and said, 'thank goodness justice prevailed'," he said.

"It's been a long time coming."

Authorities could never guarantee zero risk for crew, so pilot incapacitation training played a large part in preparing to fly, Mr Paterson said.

"For me it is a victory for common sense."

Mr Paterson has a condition called neurocardiogenic (or vasovagal) syncope, otherwise known as the common faint. Judge Butler was told the condition was thought to have been the cause of the traditional "drawing room swoon".

Mr Paterson was allowed to fly after the first two faints in 1990 and 1995, provided he was part of a crew with another qualified pilot. But his medical certificate was revoked after the third fainting episode in 2002.

Airline Pilots Association president Paul Lyons welcomed the decision, calling it a "precedent-setting case". He hoped no appeals would be lodged.

"It's been a long time for Geoff, approximately three years while he's waited for this process to be concluded."

- NZPA