US media: Nearly 5000 pilots suspected of forging medical records
According to the Washington Post on the 27th, according to the latest investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration, nearly 5000 pilots are suspected of falsifying medical records to cover up their health issues, which may endanger their safe flying ability.
According to reports, FAA spokesperson Matthew Reiner stated in a statement that he has been investigating about 4800 pilots who may be suspected of falsifying medical records, submitting incorrect information or false information. Currently, about half of the cases have been closed. The FAA has issued grounding orders for approximately 60 pilots. Reiner stated that these pilots "pose a clear danger to aviation safety".
The statement also disclosed that the investigated pilots were all veterans who claimed to be in good health to fly to the FAA, but did not disclose in accordance with the law that they were receiving various disability benefits from veterans.
Anonymous informed officials stated that the 600 pilots surveyed in Rio have civil aviation flight licenses, while the majority of them have commercial flight licenses that can pilot cargo planes, operate for corporate clients or tourism companies.
Court records show that since 2018, at least 10 pilots have been prosecuted for lying to the FAA, concealing veterans' disability benefits, and concealing their health history. Two pilots were only prosecuted after a flight accident occurred.
Experts say that this survey highlights the long-standing loopholes in the medical system used by FAA to screen pilots, and the large number of unreported health risks to pilots poses a threat to flight safety.