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#1
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Problematic medical for potential new student?
So, after a few years of putting it off (actually..."after a few years of
saving enough $$$"), I decided I want to get a private pilot cert. Welllll...from the time that I first wanted to do that (about 10 years ago) until now, I've had some changes in my medical status, which will *definitely* require a waiver. The question to the group is, what are my chances? In other words, I don't want to go through the hassle of getting all my records together if there's not much of a chance I will receive the waiver. On the other hand, if people think that the waiver is probable, what steps should I take? Should I get the records together first and then take the medical? See, I don't want to even start taking instruction (and spend the $$) if there's not much of a chance that I'll be able to get the cert... In a nutshell: 31 year old otherwise healthy male (6'3" 190 lbs). 1998 or so, taken to the hospital due to an anxiety attack (severe heartburn thought to be a heart attack that snowballed). Nothing serious, haven't had one since... 12/00 - DUI 10/01, 02/02 - Hospitalizations for situational depression. (1 week each time) Was prescribed Paxil at the time (see below) 08/02 - Over night observation hospitalization for slip-and-fall with loss of conciousness. All tests (CT, Xray) negative, no residual effects apparant. Since about 1994 or so, I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my knees. I have taken everything from Advil to Vioxx for relief (see below) In early 2003, I was taken off the Paxil by my GP, showing no signs of depression. Now, within the past year or so, I started getting severe headaches. Note: I have NOT seen a neurologist; but these headaches have been diagnosed by my GP as migraine (with aura, by the way, so I actually know about 10 minutes before they occur). At their peak they were occurring about 4-5 times a month. This was also about the time that my GP put me on the COX-2 Inhibitor class of drugs (Vioxx/Bextra/Celebrex) for my knees. We were playing "musical chairs" with the drugs to try to find the best acting drug (none of them seemed to be particularly effective). This was due to.. Fatty liver diagnosis. I need to stay away from Tylenol and alcohol... Anyway, back to the migraines. I was NOT put on any prophylactic for the migranes, but prescribed a triptan for treating the attacks (specifically Relpax). About February of this year, my GP put my on Daypro (NSAID class) for my knees and took me off the COX-2s. Since then (actually about 2 weeks later), my migraines have stopped occurring...I have not required a dosage of Relpax. Now I am beginning to wonder if it was actually the COX-2 drugs that were partially responsible for the migraines. So currently, my medical status is: 1) Fatty liver: Stay away from products containing Acetomenaphin , and also alcohol. 2) Borderline high cholestorol: My GP wants me on Lipitor, but due to the liver side effects I am wary. I have not started taking the drug, but am first trying to lower it through diet and exercise 3) History of migraines. Controlled by acute intervention medications. No attack in the past four months, could be related to the drug switching. 4) Osteoarthritis in the knees. Controlled by Daypro with no discernable side effects except upset stomach if I don't take it with food. What do y'all think, is it possible, or just a pipe dream? Thanks... |
#2
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I would say to go get the medical and see. If it is denied, you are only
out $100 roughly, but you may find out that you are qualified. Also, there is the sport pilot stuff now, where you only need a drivers license I believe. I actually haven't read all the sport pilot requirements, but that is an option to look into if you can't get the medical approved for the private rating. Fred "Doug S" wrote in message ... So, after a few years of putting it off (actually..."after a few years of saving enough $$$"), I decided I want to get a private pilot cert. Welllll...from the time that I first wanted to do that (about 10 years ago) until now, I've had some changes in my medical status, which will *definitely* require a waiver. The question to the group is, what are my chances? In other words, I don't want to go through the hassle of getting all my records together if there's not much of a chance I will receive the waiver. On the other hand, if people think that the waiver is probable, what steps should I take? Should I get the records together first and then take the medical? See, I don't want to even start taking instruction (and spend the $$) if there's not much of a chance that I'll be able to get the cert... In a nutshell: 31 year old otherwise healthy male (6'3" 190 lbs). 1998 or so, taken to the hospital due to an anxiety attack (severe heartburn thought to be a heart attack that snowballed). Nothing serious, haven't had one since... 12/00 - DUI 10/01, 02/02 - Hospitalizations for situational depression. (1 week each time) Was prescribed Paxil at the time (see below) 08/02 - Over night observation hospitalization for slip-and-fall with loss of conciousness. All tests (CT, Xray) negative, no residual effects apparant. Since about 1994 or so, I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my knees. I have taken everything from Advil to Vioxx for relief (see below) In early 2003, I was taken off the Paxil by my GP, showing no signs of depression. Now, within the past year or so, I started getting severe headaches. Note: I have NOT seen a neurologist; but these headaches have been diagnosed by my GP as migraine (with aura, by the way, so I actually know about 10 minutes before they occur). At their peak they were occurring about 4-5 times a month. This was also about the time that my GP put me on the COX-2 Inhibitor class of drugs (Vioxx/Bextra/Celebrex) for my knees. We were playing "musical chairs" with the drugs to try to find the best acting drug (none of them seemed to be particularly effective). This was due to.. Fatty liver diagnosis. I need to stay away from Tylenol and alcohol... Anyway, back to the migraines. I was NOT put on any prophylactic for the migranes, but prescribed a triptan for treating the attacks (specifically Relpax). About February of this year, my GP put my on Daypro (NSAID class) for my knees and took me off the COX-2s. Since then (actually about 2 weeks later), my migraines have stopped occurring...I have not required a dosage of Relpax. Now I am beginning to wonder if it was actually the COX-2 drugs that were partially responsible for the migraines. So currently, my medical status is: 1) Fatty liver: Stay away from products containing Acetomenaphin , and also alcohol. 2) Borderline high cholestorol: My GP wants me on Lipitor, but due to the liver side effects I am wary. I have not started taking the drug, but am first trying to lower it through diet and exercise 3) History of migraines. Controlled by acute intervention medications. No attack in the past four months, could be related to the drug switching. 4) Osteoarthritis in the knees. Controlled by Daypro with no discernable side effects except upset stomach if I don't take it with food. What do y'all think, is it possible, or just a pipe dream? Thanks... |
#3
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Before following Fred's advice below I would check the Sport Pilot medical
info. I think a refusal of a medical may prevent you from using a driver's license for light sport. "Fred Choate" wrote in message ... I would say to go get the medical and see. If it is denied, you are only out $100 roughly, but you may find out that you are qualified. Also, there is the sport pilot stuff now, where you only need a drivers license I believe. I actually haven't read all the sport pilot requirements, but that is an option to look into if you can't get the medical approved for the private rating. Fred "Doug S" wrote in message ... So, after a few years of putting it off (actually..."after a few years of saving enough $$$"), I decided I want to get a private pilot cert. Welllll...from the time that I first wanted to do that (about 10 years ago) until now, I've had some changes in my medical status, which will *definitely* require a waiver. The question to the group is, what are my chances? In other words, I don't want to go through the hassle of getting all my records together if there's not much of a chance I will receive the waiver. On the other hand, if people think that the waiver is probable, what steps should I take? Should I get the records together first and then take the medical? See, I don't want to even start taking instruction (and spend the $$) if there's not much of a chance that I'll be able to get the cert... In a nutshell: 31 year old otherwise healthy male (6'3" 190 lbs). 1998 or so, taken to the hospital due to an anxiety attack (severe heartburn thought to be a heart attack that snowballed). Nothing serious, haven't had one since... 12/00 - DUI 10/01, 02/02 - Hospitalizations for situational depression. (1 week each time) Was prescribed Paxil at the time (see below) 08/02 - Over night observation hospitalization for slip-and-fall with loss of conciousness. All tests (CT, Xray) negative, no residual effects apparant. Since about 1994 or so, I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my knees. I have taken everything from Advil to Vioxx for relief (see below) In early 2003, I was taken off the Paxil by my GP, showing no signs of depression. Now, within the past year or so, I started getting severe headaches. Note: I have NOT seen a neurologist; but these headaches have been diagnosed by my GP as migraine (with aura, by the way, so I actually know about 10 minutes before they occur). At their peak they were occurring about 4-5 times a month. This was also about the time that my GP put me on the COX-2 Inhibitor class of drugs (Vioxx/Bextra/Celebrex) for my knees. We were playing "musical chairs" with the drugs to try to find the best acting drug (none of them seemed to be particularly effective). This was due to.. Fatty liver diagnosis. I need to stay away from Tylenol and alcohol... Anyway, back to the migraines. I was NOT put on any prophylactic for the migranes, but prescribed a triptan for treating the attacks (specifically Relpax). About February of this year, my GP put my on Daypro (NSAID class) for my knees and took me off the COX-2s. Since then (actually about 2 weeks later), my migraines have stopped occurring...I have not required a dosage of Relpax. Now I am beginning to wonder if it was actually the COX-2 drugs that were partially responsible for the migraines. So currently, my medical status is: 1) Fatty liver: Stay away from products containing Acetomenaphin , and also alcohol. 2) Borderline high cholestorol: My GP wants me on Lipitor, but due to the liver side effects I am wary. I have not started taking the drug, but am first trying to lower it through diet and exercise 3) History of migraines. Controlled by acute intervention medications. No attack in the past four months, could be related to the drug switching. 4) Osteoarthritis in the knees. Controlled by Daypro with no discernable side effects except upset stomach if I don't take it with food. What do y'all think, is it possible, or just a pipe dream? Thanks... |
#4
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I am not the expert or have knowledge in mediations, but I am pretty sure
that in term of mediations, they do not look at the history. They are only concerned about current medical status. I'm sure that you know that some medications are forbidden in aviation. I do not know if any of medications you are currently taking are forbidden. Here is what I found on FAA website: 6. What medical conditions does the FAA consider disqualifying? The following conditions are listed in the regulations as disqualifying medical conditions; however, in many cases when the condition is adequately controlled, the FAA will issue medical certification contingent on periodic reports. 1.. Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications 2.. Angina pectoris 3.. Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant 4.. Myocardial infarction 5.. Cardiac valve replacement 6.. Permanent cardiac pacemaker 7.. Heart replacement 8.. Psychosis 9.. Bipolar disease 10.. Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts 11.. Substance dependence 12.. Substance abuse 13.. Epilepsy 14.. Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory explanation of cause 15.. Transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory explanation of cause. Now in term of DUI, under parts 61 and 67, FAA may deny an application if an individual has had two or more alcohol-related motor vehicle convictions or state motor vehicle administrative action within a 3-year period. You had DUI in 2000, which is more than 3 years ago. I believed that you are cleared in that case, but you still have to report it. I hope this information will guide you to the right direction, but keep in mind that I am not the expert. If you are not familiar with sport pilot, you might want to look into it in term of requirements before you apply for medical certificate. Toks Desalu PP-ASEL Dyin' to Soar! |
#5
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Dan, you may be right.......
I am reading the FAR's right now, and under 61.23 in section C paragraph 2 there is some language there that may support what you say. Fred "Daniel L. Lieberman" wrote in message ... Before following Fred's advice below I would check the Sport Pilot medical info. I think a refusal of a medical may prevent you from using a driver's license for light sport. "Fred Choate" wrote in message ... I would say to go get the medical and see. If it is denied, you are only out $100 roughly, but you may find out that you are qualified. Also, there is the sport pilot stuff now, where you only need a drivers license I believe. I actually haven't read all the sport pilot requirements, but that is an option to look into if you can't get the medical approved for the private rating. Fred "Doug S" wrote in message ... So, after a few years of putting it off (actually..."after a few years of saving enough $$$"), I decided I want to get a private pilot cert. Welllll...from the time that I first wanted to do that (about 10 years ago) until now, I've had some changes in my medical status, which will *definitely* require a waiver. The question to the group is, what are my chances? In other words, I don't want to go through the hassle of getting all my records together if there's not much of a chance I will receive the waiver. On the other hand, if people think that the waiver is probable, what steps should I take? Should I get the records together first and then take the medical? See, I don't want to even start taking instruction (and spend the $$) if there's not much of a chance that I'll be able to get the cert... In a nutshell: 31 year old otherwise healthy male (6'3" 190 lbs). 1998 or so, taken to the hospital due to an anxiety attack (severe heartburn thought to be a heart attack that snowballed). Nothing serious, haven't had one since... 12/00 - DUI 10/01, 02/02 - Hospitalizations for situational depression. (1 week each time) Was prescribed Paxil at the time (see below) 08/02 - Over night observation hospitalization for slip-and-fall with loss of conciousness. All tests (CT, Xray) negative, no residual effects apparant. Since about 1994 or so, I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my knees. I have taken everything from Advil to Vioxx for relief (see below) In early 2003, I was taken off the Paxil by my GP, showing no signs of depression. Now, within the past year or so, I started getting severe headaches. Note: I have NOT seen a neurologist; but these headaches have been diagnosed by my GP as migraine (with aura, by the way, so I actually know about 10 minutes before they occur). At their peak they were occurring about 4-5 times a month. This was also about the time that my GP put me on the COX-2 Inhibitor class of drugs (Vioxx/Bextra/Celebrex) for my knees. We were playing "musical chairs" with the drugs to try to find the best acting drug (none of them seemed to be particularly effective). This was due to.. Fatty liver diagnosis. I need to stay away from Tylenol and alcohol... Anyway, back to the migraines. I was NOT put on any prophylactic for the migranes, but prescribed a triptan for treating the attacks (specifically Relpax). About February of this year, my GP put my on Daypro (NSAID class) for my knees and took me off the COX-2s. Since then (actually about 2 weeks later), my migraines have stopped occurring...I have not required a dosage of Relpax. Now I am beginning to wonder if it was actually the COX-2 drugs that were partially responsible for the migraines. So currently, my medical status is: 1) Fatty liver: Stay away from products containing Acetomenaphin , and also alcohol. 2) Borderline high cholestorol: My GP wants me on Lipitor, but due to the liver side effects I am wary. I have not started taking the drug, but am first trying to lower it through diet and exercise 3) History of migraines. Controlled by acute intervention medications. No attack in the past four months, could be related to the drug switching. 4) Osteoarthritis in the knees. Controlled by Daypro with no discernable side effects except upset stomach if I don't take it with food. What do y'all think, is it possible, or just a pipe dream? Thanks... |
#6
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"... but you still have to report it." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Admit to nothing, deny everything, DEMAND proof. ' Stephen F. Pearce Foley, Alabama |
#7
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In news:uzcAe.5205$rx4.2388@trndny05,
Toks Desalu slavered, and posted this: I am not the expert or have knowledge in mediations, but I am pretty sure that in term of mediations, they do not look at the history. They are only concerned about current medical status. I'm sure that you know that some medications are forbidden in aviation. I do not know if any of medications you are currently taking are forbidden. Here is what I found on FAA website: 6. What medical conditions does the FAA consider disqualifying? The following conditions are listed in the regulations as disqualifying medical conditions; however, in many cases when the condition is adequately controlled, the FAA will issue medical certification contingent on periodic reports. 1.. Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications 2.. Angina pectoris 3.. Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant 4.. Myocardial infarction 5.. Cardiac valve replacement 6.. Permanent cardiac pacemaker 7.. Heart replacement 8.. Psychosis 9.. Bipolar disease 10.. Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts 11.. Substance dependence 12.. Substance abuse 13.. Epilepsy 14.. Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory explanation of cause 15.. Transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory explanation of cause. Now in term of DUI, under parts 61 and 67, FAA may deny an application if an individual has had two or more alcohol-related motor vehicle convictions or state motor vehicle administrative action within a 3-year period. You had DUI in 2000, which is more than 3 years ago. I believed that you are cleared in that case, but you still have to report it. I hope this information will guide you to the right direction, but keep in mind that I am not the expert. If you are not familiar with sport pilot, you might want to look into it in term of requirements before you apply for medical certificate. Toks Desalu PP-ASEL Dyin' to Soar! Huh. Interesting. When I looked at the information, migraine headaches were one of the disqualifying medical conditions. From my understanding (I believe the FAA website also has the drug list), migraines are allowable if under control through a prophylactic drug (e.g. beta blocker) with no reported side effects. Imitrex (another triptan type) is allowed, but Relpax (the one I take if necessary) is not (although i would be willing to switch); however, since I don't remember the website I was on, the info on the site may be out of date. Relpax is a fairly new drug and may not have made it yet. I *do* know that Daypro is an approved drug. And like I said, I am not on any cholestorol lowering agents. My original post was more a question of "are all these things cumulative." I mean, a history of only migraines or only sit. depression is one thing, but would having had all those things in combination make it more likely for denial... As far as the Sport Pilot is concerned, I was trying to avoid that, mainly because I live in a very busy class B area that has some weird weather patterns (Detroit Metro); and aside from Plymouth-Mettetal (1D2), there's not much in the way of uncontrolled airspace around here |
#8
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As far as the Sport Pilot is concerned, I was trying to avoid that, mainly because I live in a very busy class B area that has some weird weather patterns (Detroit Metro); and aside from Plymouth-Mettetal (1D2), there's not much in the way of uncontrolled airspace around here Fly out of New Hudson if you are on that end of town. Grosse Ile to the south etc. etc. There are active glider clubs out towards Pinkney, Monroe, Manchester and somewhere up past Romeo depending on exactly where you live. You don't need a medical for a glider. Plus, they are more entertaining than $100 hamburgers. -- Geoff the sea hawk at wow way d0t com remove spaces and make the obvious substitutions to reply by mail Spell checking is left as an excercise for the reader. |
#9
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Doug S wrote: *definitely* require a waiver. The question to the group is, what are my chances? In other words, I don't want to go through the hassle of getting all my records together if there's not much of a chance I will receive the waiver. Well, you're right in understanding that you have a complicated road ahead. First questions: 1. How much money do you have? 2. How bad do you want it? The FAA is, by global standards, very progressive on medical certification. Whether you succeed depends in no small part on how hard you are willing to work. The review board will no doubt ask for tests, more tests, and tests to check the tests, few if any of which will be covered under your medical insurance. So currently, my medical status is: 1) Fatty liver: Stay away from products containing Acetomenaphin , and also alcohol. 2) Borderline high cholestorol: My GP wants me on Lipitor, but due to the liver side effects I am wary. I have not started taking the drug, but am first trying to lower it through diet and exercise 3) History of migraines. Controlled by acute intervention medications. No attack in the past four months, could be related to the drug switching. 4) Osteoarthritis in the knees. Controlled by Daypro with no discernable side effects except upset stomach if I don't take it with food. What do y'all think, is it possible, or just a pipe dream? Prescription meds are one issue. Some are blessed by the FAA, others are not. If you're using ones that are "bad," then you need to see if you can switch to an approved alternative. Sometimes there is no alternative, for instance, depression treated by prescription drugs is a blanket no-go area. If you're off the drugs however, you should be OK there. I haven't read up on migraines much but IIRC certification is possible if certain criteria are met relating to suppression through medication and so on. Not sure about the fatty liver, but I suspect it's not an issue unless there's a medication conflict. Arthiritis? I have no idea but if it's under control it's probably not a deal-killer. The loss-of-consciousness event will complicate things significantly. Not knowing any better, this plus the migraines would make me approach the subject very cautiously. A year ago the answer to this question was simple: go for it, you have nothing to lose. Now, with Sport Pilot, you do have something to lose. Specifically, you can fly as a sport pilot using a so-called driver's license medical (as proof of fitness to fly), but only if you have not previously been denied an FAA medical certificate. If you are uncertifiable under current standards (say for use of Prozac) and you apply for a medical, then you lose the driver's license option. In other words, if Sport Pilot provides all or most of what you want, then I would focus my attention there first. The biggest downside right now is that the infrastructure is lacking, and finding planes to rent, instructors, etc will be harder, but it's going to get better, maybe very quickly, over the next couple of years. For more detailed and knowledgeable advice, a great place to start is AOPA. A $40 membership buys you access to their medical team, who can answer many questions. Second, there are a number of specialist physicians out there who serve as medical consultants to pilots. Many of their clients are airline captains whose livelihood relies on getting certified, and they know as well as anyone how to give a pilot the best chance of making the grade. Naturally this is an added expense. If you want a cheaper hobby, have you considered polo? Best, -cwk. |
#10
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Should I get the records together first and then
take the medical? See, I don't want to even start taking instruction What do y'all think, is it possible, or just a pipe dream? Thanks... Doug, it's my understanding that AOPA will help and/or advise on just these situations. You may want to contact them and explain much as you have laid out here your condition(s). On the other hand, there may be some that are left well enough alone. It's also my understanding that one can't fail a medical then receive a Sport Pilot Certificate, however if one allows their Class 2/3 to expire, then reverts to flying under Sport Pilot rules, that's cool. I know you mentioned that you would prefer PPL to Sport Pilot, but some flying is better than none. Jim |
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