H E A LT H A N D F LY I N G Grounded: a pilots lesson in financial protection What would you do if the unexpected happened and a change in your health led to the loss of your licence to fly? By Joel Wedegren T he moment I heard the words you cant return to flying duty, my world stopped turning. I had, effectively, had my wings clipped. After more than 20 years of flying, from my early days as a flight instructor in San Diego to flying Boeing 777s for Cathay Pacific, I was suddenly facing a future without the career that had defined my entire adult life. Like many pilots, I believed my wings were my greatest asset. I was wrong. My true lifeline would prove to be something far more fundamental: financial preparedness. The unexpected descent My story isnt unique, but is a wake-up call for pilots who believe their career is invincible. One medical assessment, health complication or unexpected evaluation could ground you permanently. What makes my situation particularly stark is the seemingly minor nature of what grounded me. Im still fit and healthy, playing and coaching ice hockey daily without limitation. The culprit? A small cartilage problem in my knee that doesnt slow me down or impact my daily life in any meaningful way. Yet this was enough for AvMed to permanently deny reinstatement of my medical certificate. Believe me: in that moment, your 48 THE LOG Summer 25 pp48-49 Grounded.indd 48 09/07/2025 15:54