"a" wrote in message
...
and that is probably
the first time many of us learn of an underlying problem.

Perhaps, but I don't know of any serious research that proves that the present
FAA medical certification system has any statistically significant role in
predicting/preventing incidents of sudden pilot incapacitation. (The system has
virtually no role in detecting declining judgement, reaction time, or flying
skills; that is why we have the flight review process.)

The obvious exception of course would be eye examinations.

How so? Actually eyes can get pretty bad before a person finally stops
compensating and seeks help. The same is true for hearing.

Some health problems are preventable -- there are better reasons than
a desire to fly as PIC to stay fit, but no matter what the reason,
just do it! (Full disclosure, I own Nike stock.)

I tended towards overweight until I finally got serious about being a glider
pilot. Then I took off the extra poundage and have been thus for the last 15-20
years.

I do agree some small number when learning of a problem from someone
other than a flight surgeon will try to hide it.

Agree with all above except the word "small".

If the uncovered
disease is cardio pulmonary messing around in airplanes around 10,000
feet without supplementary O2 is not smart and it would be a good idea
for a prudent pilot to know that.

True. You can buy a blood oxygen tester for under $100.00 these days. (Knowing
your O2 saturation at altitude is important, but is still not the whole story)

Vaughn

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