Definition

Birds of a Feather International (BOAF) is a worldwide support group for aviators facing alcohol problems.

Description

The BOAF website says its meetings are based on the Alcoholics Anonymous program. BOAF was set up for fliers who are active or inactive in private, commercial, or military aviation. Its website notes that a clinical diagnosis of alcoholism or a history of excessive drinking disqualifies an aviator from holding a medical certificate. "Thus, an aviator having a problem with alcohol whose condition became known was automatically grounded," the website says. "BOAF was formed in 1975 to assist troubled airmen to sobriety, thereby saving lives and careers."

BOAF chapters are are organized as "nests," and the group also provides Zoom meetings, a private Facebook group, a newsletter, and a yearly convention. Aviators in areas without an established "nest" may join as "solo birds."

A BOAF purpose statement says, "The cultural bias concerning [alcoholism] has prevented many in the past from seeking advice. Our concern is recovery from alcoholism. We have no loyalties to any company, government, institution, medical facility, union, employee assistance program, treatment center, or specific recovery program."

BOAF coordinates with return-to-work programs for fliers who've had drinking problems. It has "nests" in the U.S. and Canada, and in other countries including Ireland, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.