🚨 Emergency Toolkit for Pilots Under Immediate Threat

✅ Immediate Action Checklist

• Stay Calm and Document Everything
  Record who said what, when, and where. Keep all emails, texts, and voicemails.
• Demand All Threats in Writing
  Say: “Please put this directive and any consequences in writing.”
• Never Sign Under Duress
  You are not required to sign anything on the spot.
• Take Time to Evaluate
  You have the right to review documents and consult legal counsel.
• Choose Your Own Doctor
  Employers cannot force you to use their provider by claiming it is “FAA-mandated.”
• Do Not Volunteer Extra Information
  Sharing unnecessary details can be used against you.
• Ask to Defer Any Meeting If You Are Distressed
  Being pressured while upset or incapacitated invalidates consent.

💬 What to Say If You Are Pressured

• ✅ “I do not consent to waiving any rights under duress.”
• ✅ “I require this directive and any consequences in writing before I respond.”
• ✅ “I will consult counsel and respond in due course.”
• ✅ “I am not refusing. I am exercising my right to review and seek advice.”
• ✅ “I am not competent to make this decision right now.” (if you are unwell or overwhelmed)

⚠️ Common Coercion Tactics and Phrases to Watch For

• “If you don’t sign today, you’ll be fired.”
• “Failure to sign is insubordination.”
• “The FAA requires you to use this psychiatrist.”
• “If you don’t enroll right now, you forfeit your rights.”
• “This is your only chance to save your career.”
• “Refusal will result in permanent disqualification.”
• “This is just an evaluation—nothing will go on your record.”
• “If you were serious about your career, you’d cooperate.”
• “Everyone else signs—why are you resisting?”
• “Signing now shows good faith.”

🛑 Important Note About Confidentiality

Be aware that discussions with your union representative, EAP counselor, or peer pilot counselor are not confidential in the legal sense.

• ✅ They are not protected by attorney-client privilege.
• ✅ They are not protected by doctor-patient confidentiality unless you are seeing an independent, treating physician.
• ✅ Anything you share can be reported to management or the FAA.
• ✅ Peer pilot programs (SOAR, WINGS, Alpha Peer Support) often maintain records that can be subpoenaed.
• ✅ You should always assume that anything you disclose may be shared.

If you need truly confidential advice, consult an independent aviation attorney or your own treating medical professional.

📝 Important Tip: Limited Power of Attorney

If you are confined in a treatment facility and fear being pressured to sign documents:

• ✅ You can sign a limited power of attorney (POA) granting a trusted person (such as your spouse or attorney) the authority to make decisions on your behalf.
• ✅ Once the POA is executed, you are legally incapacitated from signing binding documents yourself.
• ✅ Any signature you provide after delegating power can be challenged as invalid due to incapacity.
• ✅ This can help prevent coerced waivers, admissions, or contracts signed under duress.

Example: When your spouse visits, you can execute a limited POA naming them your legal decision-maker. From that point, all consent must come through them.

✅ Tip: Consult an attorney in advance to prepare a POA document you can use in this scenario.

🔍 Your Rights at a Glance

• ✅ You cannot be forced to waive rights under threat.
• ✅ You can take time to review and consult counsel before signing.
• ✅ Without a medical diagnosis, participation in any program is voluntary.
• ✅ You have the right to your own qualified doctor for any evaluation.
• ✅ Any waiver signed under coercion can be invalidated.
• ✅ Being declared incapacitated means you cannot legally consent to contracts.
• ✅ You can challenge any diagnosis or program referral.

⚖️ Important Note on Voluntary Participation

If you voluntarily agree to FAA-recommended treatment or evaluation, you may be administratively labeled as having alcohol dependence—even without a formal diagnosis. This can result in indefinite monitoring and career consequences.