Looking for a Depressed Pilot

K

KTRHReporter

Guest
Hey folks,

I'm a reporter with a FOX news radio affiliate in Houston working on a story about the FAA changing it's rules regarding pilots using anti-depressants. I'd love to speak with a pilot who's currently taking anti-depressants or has in the past and how they feel about the policy change.

You can reach me at josephgomez@clearchannel.com

My deadline for the story is today! Just leave a phone number so that I can get in contact with you.
 
<sarcasm>Why, yes! Please go on the media and admit your previous rulebreaking before the FAA starts its official amnesty phase. Of course, if you're silly enough to go with the media unprepared, you deserve whatever you get </sarcasm>

Now, for the reporter... If you want an informed opinion from a professional on the subject <sarcasm> Nah, that won't help ratings </sarcasm>, consult Dr. Bruce on our forum.

My personal opinion - for the folks this rule covers (and they're a small bunch), this is a big step forward. No longer will you have to choose between getting treatment and keeping your job.
 
KTRHReporter said:
Hey folks,

I'm a reporter with a FOX news radio affiliate in Houston working on a story about the FAA changing it's rules regarding pilots using anti-depressants. I'd love to speak with a pilot who's currently taking anti-depressants or has in the past and how they feel about the policy change.

You can reach me at josephgomez@clearchannel.com

My deadline for the story is today! Just leave a phone number so that I can get in contact with you.
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Talk to Dr. Bruce Chien from this forum he is a REAL expert on these things. You will get accurate information for your report.
 
ScottM said:
Talk to Dr. Bruce Chien from this forum he is a REAL expert on these things. You will get accurate information for your report.
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Scott, did you take your stupid pill this morning? A news article is not the place for accurate information, and you know it!
 
This may be one of those rare opportunities to speak directly with someone in the media about the recurring problems we are having with them.....and to perhaps give them our side of all these different issues!
 
steingar said:
Scott, did you take your stupid pill this morning? A news article is not the place for accurate information, and you know it!
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Even more surprising is that Scott thought FOX could report accurate information... :rofl:
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
This may be one of those rare opportunities to speak directly with someone in the media about the recurring problems we are having with them.....and to perhaps give them our side of all these different issues!
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If you do that, be EXTREMELY careful what you say, how you say it and insure there are well definied ground rules in effect for the article.

A CFI at the FBO I use to rent at did a camera interview with a reporter about mountain turbulence in the area. By the time the media got done with editing for their own scare tactics agenda and adding their uneducated comments, the story that hit the evening news made the turbulence issue into something truly terrifying and deadly which was the exact opposite of what he actually said during the interview. They actually cut comments several words long off the tape and shuffled them around to have him say things that fit what they wanted the story to say. It was a very creative fiction.
The news people were real proud of themselves for bringing out the truth of the infinitely dangerous risk of flying with any turbulence at all.
The CFI was livid and ready to take several news types out behind a hangar with a concrete filled steel pipe and no witnesses.

After seeing that happen, the only discussion I'll voluntarily have with news types is handing them a piece of paper with the FAA/AOPA/ALPA phone numbers on it then walk away without saying a word.
 
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fgcason said:
If you do that, be EXTREMELY careful what you say, how you say it and insure there are well definied ground rules in effect for the article.
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Bingo.

Media is more about sensationalizing things for profit than reporting for accuracy.

On this topic, much better to leave it to the pros as opposed to being embarassed nationally.
 
I have my issues with the media. I've also been on TV and in the newspaper over a dozen times in the past 7 months. While the facts are frequently slightly screwed up (15 dogs instead of 13, where funding comes from, and one published that I could navigate a course through mountains using only radar), I have come to gain a significant appreciation for the reporters and what they do. Most of the ones I've come across are good. In fact I've only come across one who I almost got annoyed with because she was hoping for me to cry on TV and I'm just not that kind of person, no matter how cute the puppies are.

I would agree that an interview with Dr. Bruce (if he was so inclined) would be the most informative on what the regulation change actually means and what impact it has.
 
fgcason said:
If you do that, be EXTREMELY careful what you say, how you say it and insure there are well definied ground rules in effect for the article.

A CFI at the FBO I use to rent at did a camera interview with a reporter about mountain turbulence in the area. By the time the media got done with editing for their own scare tactics agenda and adding their uneducated comments, the story that hit the evening news made the turbulence issue into something truly terrifying and deadly which was the exact opposite of what he actually said during the interview. They actually cut comments several words long off the tape and shuffled them around to have him say things that fit what they wanted the story to say. It was a very creative fiction.
The news people were real proud of themselves for bringing out the truth of the infinitely dangerous risk of flying with any turbulence at all.
The CFI was livid and ready to take several news types out behind a hangar with a concrete filled steel pipe and no witnesses.

After seeing that happen, the only discussion I'll voluntarily have with news types is handing them a piece of paper with the FAA/AOPA/ALPA phone numbers on it then walk away without saying a word.
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Yep. I'd be extremely cautious considering the topic to be discussed and already seeing articles out there about "OMG DEPRESSED PILOTS ARE GONNA KILL US ALL".
 
Ted DuPuis said:
I have my issues with the media. I've also been on TV and in the newspaper over a dozen times in the past 7 months. While the facts are frequently slightly screwed up (15 dogs instead of 13, where funding comes from, and one published that I could navigate a course through mountains using only radar), I have come to gain a significant appreciation for the reporters and what they do. Most of the ones I've come across are good. In fact I've only come across one who I almost got annoyed with because she was hoping for me to cry on TV and I'm just not that kind of person, no matter how cute the puppies are.
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I'd be happy to fly with you and spritz you with pepper spray before interviews if that'd help. :D
 
The reporters are generally good folks. The editors/producers who "adjust" the story in the edit bay to match their slant are the real villains.
 
wbarnhill said:
I'd be happy to fly with you and spritz you with pepper spray before interviews if that'd help. :D
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Well that'd make the news, but it probably involve me yelling and cursing at you. "WTF DID YOU DO THAT FOR?!" :lol:
 
A quick Google search doesn't turn up any information on Joseph or Joe Gomez at Fox in Houston.
 
I did find this:
Coming up on KTRH Morning News Tues., April 6:

• A look at a reversal in FAA rules on prescription drugs and what medications your pilot may be taking.
http://www.ktrh.com/main.html
 
Well, Joe, I think you can see that you're encountering some, "headwinds"; however, I think I know who might be able to help you out.

I would like to respectfully suggest you contact AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association).

Here is an article about your topic:
http://www.aopa.org/advocacy/articles/2010/100402ssri.html

Address and other contact info (including a press contact)

AOPA
421 Aviation Way
Frederick, Maryland 21701.

Phone: 301/695-2000
Fax: 301/695-2375

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

News Media and Public Relations
E-mail Chris Dancy
chris.dancy@aopa.org
Dial 301/695-2159

Good Luck.
 
How to find a depressed pilot ? Just look in the right or left front row seat of any regional jet. At least if you talk to them, they all sound like Eyore.

Oh, and people shouldn't confuse local Fox radio and TV affiliates with the nationwide cable news hack-job. The locals are not any better or worse than the other non-party networks.
 
I agree with what Tim said in post #2. While shield laws permit reporters to refuse to turn you over, you've got to trust the reporter not to either roll over and turn you in anyway, publish enough details for the FAA to identify you, or to accidentally identify you directly. Not, in my opinion, an acceptable risk if you value your future as a pilot in the current environment where journalistic integrity is a lost cause and reporters lie all the time.
 
I'm not depressed, and I've never been on antidepressants, but hell, if you're paying, I'll talk to ya.

Call me - (505)610-0794.
 
On an open forum as this. No, not the place to "expose" yourself.
BUT, a reporter found "our" board and has asked for help in reporting the TRUTH.
Beating up the media, IMHO is not correct in this thread. It APPEARS this reporter is trying to do the right thing.
Just my opinion, I could be wrong.

PS. Suggesting Doc Bruce was about 200% the right thing to do.
 
I'm surprised at how hard we have been on a reporter asking for help.

IMHO the person to talk to this reporter is not the airline pilot who has been buying his prozac over the Internet in his wife's name (no I don't know of anyone like that).

It should be the person this new rule is written for. Someone who has always wanted to fly, is taking very low dose of some SSRI, who has been stable for many years. Also they should have only flown with an instructor on board, if at all. The new rule gives them the ability to follow their dream and actually solo.

JMHO.

Joe
 
weilke said:
How to find a depressed pilot ? Just look in the right or left front row seat of any regional jet. At least if you talk to them, they all sound like Eyore.
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And for good reason. Dead end Charlie.
 
Areeda said:
I'm surprised at how hard we have been on a reporter asking for help.
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With journalists its like with the lawyers: The 95% crooks give the rest a bad name.
 
wabower said:
And for good reason. Dead end Charlie.
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They get paid to fly so they better shut up. Yes, a guy driving a city bus or hauling the garbage cans in NYC makes more money and has better bennnies, should have put in for the civil service test if that was a consideration.
 
Areeda said:
I'm surprised at how hard we have been on a reporter asking for help.

IMHO the person to talk to this reporter is not the airline pilot who has been buying his prozac over the Internet in his wife's name (no I don't know of anyone like that).

It should be the person this new rule is written for. Someone who has always wanted to fly, is taking very low dose of some SSRI, who has been stable for many years. Also they should have only flown with an instructor on board, if at all. The new rule gives them the ability to follow their dream and actually solo.

JMHO.



Joe
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Joe you are 100% right. I'm a bit surprised at everyone's responses. The guy comes here for advice and everyone bust on him. Jhausch who suggested he contact AOPA and Scott who suggested he speak with Bruce were right on target. Everyone ******* about the press and its often well deserved but here is an opportuntity to shed some good light on GA ( regardless of the subject matter and how you think they want the story to go) and so many just throw mud. We're just adding to the mythical image of the rich arrogant pilot.
 
Why is anyone surprised that we would be defensive over this request.

What could you possibly this this story is about?

"Pilots, they fly machines capable of destroying some of the tallest buildings in the world (cue 9/11 scene). They put us all at risk every day by flying over our homes (cut children playing in backyard). But now, are we getting more than we bargained for? Suicidal pilots flying airplanes into homes, schools, maybe even other airplanes (cue scene from Lost). More at 10."

I would be 100% surprised if this story is about anything less than that.
 
AdamZ said:
Joe you are 100% right. I'm a bit surprised at everyone's responses. The guy comes here for advice and everyone bust on him. Jhausch who suggested he contact AOPA and Scott who suggested he speak with Bruce were right on target. Everyone ******* about the press and its often well deserved but here is an opportuntity to shed some good light on GA ( regardless of the subject matter and how you think they want the story to go) and so many just throw mud. We're just adding to the mythical image of the rich arrogant pilot.
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Whereas I agree with the sentiment, in this case the newsguy is clearly not going to do an in-depth (read: thoughtful) story. My deadline is today! Give me a soundbite and we'll put it on the air! or not... it may not advance our story line. You know, the one my editor told me to write. Who cares if the facts don't match the story, we'll either change them or leave them out.

-Skip
 
Skip Miller said:
Whereas I agree with the sentiment, in this case the newsguy is clearly not going to do an in-depth (read: thoughtful) story. My deadline is today! Give me a soundbite and we'll put it on the air! or not... it may not advance our story line. You know, the one my editor told me to write. Who cares if the facts don't match the story, we'll either change them or leave them out.

-Skip
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That is a BIG JUMP.

He has asked for pilots that the new ruling affected and had a deadline.

NOTHING else.
 
weilke said:
With journalists its like with the lawyers: The 95% crooks give the rest a bad name.
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Nice. We don't like people stereotyping pilots but we don't mind doing it to other groups.
 
Everskyward said:
Nice. We don't like people stereotyping pilots but we don't mind doing it to other groups.
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Did you look at the top headlines of that "reputable" news site?

It might change your opinion.
 
Areeda said:
I'm surprised at how hard we have been on a reporter asking for help.
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otoh - unless the reporter is a complete computer newbie, he should
not have any expectation that there wouldn't be some flames.
 
Bob Noel said:
otoh - unless the reporter is a complete computer newbie, he should
not have any expectation that there wouldn't be some flames.
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Not all web boards flame someone for asking a question.
 
I treat reporters like anyone else: long time relationship where I know them through more than just occasional interviews--they get one set of information. Just introduced themselves on a web board and want to know about controversial stuff with no relationship--see the white space below my name.

Best,

Dave
 
markb5900 said:
Not all web boards flame someone for asking a question.
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Mark - if you went to a board about Motorcycles and asked "Hey, I'm writing a story about why motorcycle riders like to cut in and out of traffic and cause accidents. Please call me." do you think they'd be helped out?
 
"There is no truth in the news, there is no news in the truth"

From the TV program THE UNIT
 
SkyHog said:
Mark - if you went to a board about Motorcycles and asked "Hey, I'm writing a story about why motorcycle riders like to cut in and out of traffic and cause accidents. Please call me." do you think they'd be helped out?
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I dont' know Nick. I can't predict the future.

BUT, this guy asked for some pilots to COMMENT on the NEW FAA decision. and got nothing but flamed for TRYING to get the truth about a story. Whether he will write it that way, none of us will know, but IMHO at least he TRIED to get an honest reaction to the FAA.
 
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