BIRDS OF A FEATHER INTERNATIONAL

BIRDS OF A FEATHER
INTERNATIONAL

Who is this website for?

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, government institution, medical facility, union, Employee Assistant Program, treatment center or specific recovery program.  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.

Suggested page:    HOW IT WORKS
 

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:  assisting airmen toward sobriety."

Orville C. Gull
Our Mascot

WELCOME TO OUR WEBSITE

  IF YOU ARE A PILOT OR COCKPIT CREWMEMBER IN PRIVATE, COMMERCIAL, AIRLINE OR MILITARY AVIATION (or know of someone who is) 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. 

Suggested pages:  'REFERENCE'      'TRUSTED SERVANTS'

Go to CURRENT NOTICES page
for updates and new information
(and to see info on BOAF registered trademarks)
 

*Note:   "Birds of a Feather" is a U.S. government registered trademark.  Click here.

**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 our primary purpose."