Pilot who fainted loses case

A veteran Air New Zealand pilot who fainted three times in 12 years during layovers in hot climates has lost a last bid to save his career.

Aucklander Geoff Paterson had been battling to return to flying after being grounded since his most recent fainting episode in February 2002, the Dominion Post reported yesterday.

However, Wellington District Court Judge Peter Butler decided against issuing a medical certificate to the 767 pilot with 27 years' experience.

While his chance of fainting during a flight was low, it could happen, the judge said.

Mr Paterson's medical expert testified that he had an extremely low risk of fainting while flying because the episodes had happened when he was standing up in hot weather and was tired.

Mr Paterson said that if he did faint while flying, at least one pilot and two on long-haul flights were on hand. All were trained to cope if one of the crew became incapacitated.

An international expert on aviation medicine said that if Mr Paterson fainted, it would impair aviation safety.

Judge Butler said that if Mr Paterson fainted while flying, the rest of the flight would be below the recommended safety margins.

- NZPA