WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The Federal Aviation Administration plans to begin screening obese pilots and air traffic controllers for sleep apnea.
The screening would initially be required for those with a body mass index of 40 or more, ABC News reported. It would eventually be extended to everyone with a BMI of 30 or more.
Experts say most obese people suffer from sleep apnea, breathing disturbances that interfere with sleep and result in victims being tired the next day. Generally, those with a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese with those of 40 or above considered morbidly obese.
Five years ago, the pilots of a Go Airlines flight between islands in Hawaii fell asleep in the air and overshot their destination, although the plane eventually landed safely. The senior pilot was later diagnosed with sleep apnea.
