Medical Question

[Ferrett]

Can anyone who has experienced this problem before give some advice?

I am a commercial pilot (not currently flying) and have developed Atrial Fibrillation. The problem is now well and truly under control with medication.

My question is to anyone who has encountered this before and what the outcomes were in terms of your medical.

I recognise this is a question for the DAME, however getting an idea before hand would be of benefit.

Many thanks in advance.

[DH 200']

Hi there Ferrett, whilst I don't have the condition myself, I'm aware that its quite common. A quick search of the cardiology section in the DAME's handbook (http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:OVqxaUqMZv8J:www.casa.gov.au/manuals/regulate/dame/080r0202.pdf+Atrial+Fibrillation+DAME+Medical+class+1&hl=en&gl=au&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj72X952PV9VYla_E-xHQdlN4EFu5QbfygStOsoh2lOALZEULj7Uz2NNoOaIwQn7C6A3owLlR1305p ydZfRTchTcACEqeEcXzQkUynBZjFKWihXavETfeLCTScZ56UUdtrNHTPS&sig=AHIEtbQTT49NhTFoPw2UBVx18pDN7hoRhA) produced something you may want to look at if you haven't already. I believe the page you may find of interest is page 2.2-23. Hopefully someone who also has the condition can provide you with first hand information.

[triadic]

Have a look thru
="http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/manuals/regulate/dame/080r0202.pdf"


From experience you will have to see a Cardiologist for opinion, I suggest prior to your medical.

Good luck!

[Fantome]

Dr Peter Habersberger. : Cardiologist. Practice Location Cabrini Health : Malvern Suite: 33. Phone :03- 9576 0021.

This is your man. Chief consultant for CASA cardiac protocols for yonks.

(One son flew F111s. Other son in dad's footsteps. Peter has got many a
pilot back in the air.)

[Ferrett]

DH 200

Thanks for the link. Perfect information and I will trundle along to my next Cardiologist appointment with the information in hand.

[Joker 10]

Ferrett, From personal experience, you will get the real run around from the Medico's, the mention of Heart Problems of any sort send them into a frenzy of denial of any approvals until you conclusivly prove to them you are really fit to fly.

You need the best available Cardiologist and one who is known to CASA and understands the rules.

The DAME handbook is a guide for DAME and others and does not take into account things like BMI, sugars,Iron ect in individual condition definitions, you can expect CASA to wants a very comprehensive evaluation of your overall health as part of the Cardio report.

So no excess weight, live clean and good diet.

[Brian Abraham]

As Fantome suggests, pop along to see Dr Peter Habersberger. Friend had dealings with him and most highly recommended - no better. The CASA med people are very good as well, with the caveat, they used to be, don't know if it has changed under new management. Will take time for the wheels to turn, but they didn't purposely try to put hurdles in your way, and went all out to get you back to where you belong - in the cockpit. All the best of luck.

[KopitePilot]

If you're in Sydney, Dr Stephen Fenton is also top notch and knows the ways of CASA.

Cardiologists, Dr Stephen Fenton, Dr James Wong, Dr Bill Petrellis, Dr Athula Gunasekara - Sydney Cardiology Group, Australia (http://www.scg.com.au/cardiologists.htm)