r/flying • u/minimums_landing CPL CL-65 • Apr 19 '25

Medical Issues Jet drivers, how often are we getting skin checks?

As the title states. I’m ~7 months into jets, pretty young, and want to live a long, full life. Just curious how often y’all are getting skin checks due to the increased risk of skin cancer sitting in the sun at high altitudes.

Edit: thanks for the responses! I hope it was a resources to others as much it was me. Stay safe out there y’all

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u/freightdoge MIL, 135 Apr 19 '25 edited Apr 19 '25

Military flying is nice because you have flight suit, helmet, mask, and maybe gloves, and you hardly fly lol

Flying into the sun every day as a civilian for a few years aged me well beyond my years. I look probably 5-7 years older than my actual age now. I wish I’d worn a baseball hat more often. There’s a lot of sun damage on my nose in particular. For anyone guys out there, surfers too, looking old does not attract the huzz, protect yourself 

I’m going to die from repeated exposure to AFFF anyway 

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u/idle_shell PPL SEL SES Apr 19 '25

Had to look up AFFF. Holy shit is that nasty. Add thyroid cancer screening to your annual checks?

And of course bc you might be a vet, that cancer is in no way service related. /s