Ron is a 45-year-old captain who was preparing for bed one evening when he had the onset of chest pressure, nausea, and shortness of breath. His symptoms were mild and unassociated with activity, emotion, or eating. He noted he was sweating and feeling anxious about the pain when he informed his wife, Nada, of his symptoms. She insisted he be evaluated in the emergency room, and they left immediately for the hospital.

En route to the hospital, Ron noted his chest pressure and other symptoms began to resolve. When they arrived at the hospital parking lot, he felt completely normal. At this point, he refused to enter the hospital for an evaluation. He told Nada that his symptoms were completely gone, and therefore were unlikely to be caused by heart disease. He reasoned that he had no risk factors for heart disease, such as smoking, family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or elevated cholesterol. He attributed his previous symptoms to overeating, and wanted to go home.

Nada was unhappy with Ron's decision, and reasoned that he needed to be evaluated to be medically qualified to fly. He felt his medical certification was not in question because he had not been diagnosed with a disqualifying condition and he felt fine. He said he had no intention of seeking medical evaluation unless his symptoms returned. The ride home was very quiet.

Based on the text.

• What would have been your decision? Would you have gone into the hospital and gotten an examination, or would you have done as the pilot in the book? Explain your reasoning.
• What would you do with regards to your medical? Would you contact your AME about the incident? Wait until your next scheduled medical appointment to tell you AME? Not tell him or her about the incident at all? Again, explain your reasoning on what would you would do.
• Discuss your thoughts on the medical examination process. What are the risks involved if someone is not completely honest with the medical examiner? Do you have to tell the AME everything?
• What impact does these types of ethical questions have on the aviation industry?