WHAT IS BIRDS OF A FEATHER
AND
WHO IS THIS WEB SITE FOR?
Birds of a Feather is a worldwide organization based on
the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. We provide AA meetings for pilots
and cockpit crewmembers who are active or inactive in private, commercial or
military aviation.
(This statement approved at PDX Convention
2002)
Birds of a Feather Statement of Intent
Birds of a Feather was
formed in response to the need for meeting places for pilots and cockpit
crewmembers where the subjects of addiction to alcohol or drugs might be
discussed with impunity and anonymity. The cultural bias concerning
these subjects has prevented many pilots in the past from seeking advice in
this area. Birds of a Feather intends to address, in an
atmosphere of support, the facts--in that the members are alcoholic
themselves and have a means whereby productive lives in their chosen
profession can be maintained.
Our concern is recovery from alcoholism. We have no
loyalties to any company, medical program, union, Employee Assistant Program
or treatment center. The fear of loss or limitation to our careers
because of this misunderstood disease has been a very real concern to all of
us and the understanding of those concerns to be found here is priceless.
BOAF has contributed immeasurably to our own recovery and the spirit of
passing this philosophy on to others who also might benefit is the reason
for Birds of a Feather.
MORE ABOUT
BIRDS OF A FEATHER
AND ITS BEGINNINGS
Excerpt from an address given on behalf of BOAF, at the Alcohol
Awareness Hour, Eisenhower Medical Center, April 1978, by Ward B. (SEA).
"About BOAF. A clinical diagnosis of alcoholism or a history of an excessive
drinking habit disqualifies an aviator from holding the FAA medical
certificate which permits him to work as an airman. Thus an aviator
having a problem with alcohol whose condition became known was
automatically grounded. BOAF was formed in 1975 to assist troubled
airmen to sobriety, thereby saving lives and careers. It was formed by
three recovered pilots and two non-pilot airmen in the Pacific
Northwest. In 1976 the Federal Air Surgeon, H. L. Reighard, a very
perceptive and realistic practitioner, believed that air safety is to be
enhanced by assisting airmen to recovery rather than having them remain
in the closet along with their booze. There are now ten BOAF organizations
in the U.S. and two International. BOAF has done exactly as the founders
had hoped – assisted airmen to recovery."
Today, Birds Of A Feather International serves the same purpose:
to assist troubled airmen to sobriety, thereby saving lives and careers.
There are many more "Nests" now throughout the United States, Canada,
Europe and other countries doing exactly as the founders had hoped –
assisting airmen to recovery.
WELCOME TO OUR
WEBSITE
IF YOU ARE A PILOT OR COCKPIT CREWMEMBER IN PRIVATE, COMMERCIAL, AIRLINE OR
MILITARY AVIATION AND NEED HELP WITH AN ALCOHOL OR DRUG PROBLEM, WE ARE HERE
TO ASSIST YOU. CHECK OUT OUR DIFFERENT WEBPAGES AND IF YOU HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL ANY OF THE PHONE NUMBERS LISTED THERE.
YOU MAY BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN THE DIFFERENT LINKS YOU WILL FIND ON
INFORMATION FOR PILOTS ON OUR 'REFERENCE'
PAGE.
New website pages added:
We have added new pages to our
website. Take a moment to check out
One
Pilot's Story
and
FAQ's.
See current updates on
CURRENT
NOTICES
page
Note:
Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion of
this website or any of the institutions, programs, procedures or
recommendations given herein. This is in keeping with Tradition 10
which states : "Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues,
hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy" and
Tradition 6 which states in part: "An AA group ought never endorse or
lend the AA name lest we are diverted from out primary purpose."
