astudent
8th Jun 2001, 00:48
I have got an EEG abnormality (apparently quite common) which means a theoretically increased risk of epilepsy. Getting re-tested at Gatwick soon.
However, if the 'spikes' are still there I cannot get Class 1. Does anyone know if the FAA insists on the EEG, and if so do they have the same requirements? (Have searched the postings but couldn't find an answer)
Thinking of trying to emigrate to the US to train + work there...
Thanks.
PS No family history of epilepsy whatsoever, never fainted.
Also should I give up beer?! I drink 'sensibly' but does it have an effect?
inverted flatspin
8th Jun 2001, 07:30
Here is the relevant FAR.
Sec. 67.109 Neurologic.
Neurologic standards for a first-class airman medical certificate are:
(a) No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:
(1) Epilepsy;
(2) A disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause; or
(3) A transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause.
(b) No other seizure disorder, disturbance of consciousness, or neurologic condition that the Federal Air Surgeon, based on the case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the condition involved, finds--
(1) Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or
(2) May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the airman medical certificate applied for or held, to make the person unable to perform those duties or exercise those privileges.
And here are the arrangements for special issuance.
Specifications for Neurological Evaluation
If not previously submitted, all records covering prior hospitalizations and/or other period of observation and treatment are required. These records must be in sufficient detail to permit a clear evaluation of the nature and extent of any previous neurological disorder. Medical release forms are required for you to complete and send to the physicians and/or hospitals which hold your records.
A report by a qualified neurologist is required. (A "qualified" neurologist is preferably one who has been certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology or by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, or one who has the background equivalent for Board certification). Your aviation medical examiner or personal physician is often a good source for such a referral.
The neurologist's report must supply the following:
Detailed report of a recent neurological examination.
Pertinent x-rays, electroencephalogram with activating procedures*, or other tests and laboratory procedures as may be indicated.
An airman with a history of neurological disorder who seeks a special issuance under Part 67.401 of the Federal Aviation Regulations on the basis of full recovery must submit the reports and objective evidence as listed above. In instances of cerebrovascular disorders, the airman must be free from all symptoms for at least two years before the request can be favorably considered by the Federal Air Surgeon.
*These procedures are utilized to elicit a latent abnormality in brain rhythm and are of special value where the resting record has shown no change from the normal. The standard techniques are hyperventilation, sleep and photic drive. Generally, three minutes of hyperventilation and a period of recording during drowsiness and sleep are included in a standard tracing. The sleep may be spontaneous or induced by chloral hydrate or barbiturates. Drugs used in the activation procedure, including dosages, should be indicated in the report.
Make copies of the reports for your files and provide the complete package to the medical examiner at the time of your FAA flight physical. Your case will be evaluated in Oklahoma City, either by a staff physician or an outside consultant.
The special issuance process may take up to three months or longer. Each case is evaluated on an individual basis and significantly longer delays can occur, depending upon the circumstances of the case.
If you need to contact FAA, use the following address and phone number:
Federal Aviation Administration
Aeromedical Certification Division
P.O. Box 26080
Oklahoma City, OK 73126
Phone: 405-954-4821
The FAA does not require an EEG at any examination unless there is a history of neurolgic problems. Since you have no such history then you will be fine as far as the FAA are concerned.
I am no expert on epilepsy but a Doctor friend of mine told me that at the best of times the EEG is not a good test. It has value in diagnosing epilepsy only when other symptoms are also present. It is possile to pass the EEG and actually be an epileptic, likewise failing it means nothing unless you have some other symptom.
Pass or failing it will have no bearing on flight safety. The 675,000 FAA licensed active pilots have never taken the test and seem to be doing alright on the safety statistics. This test should be discontinued.
The JAA/CAA have to realise that they are not in the practice of medicine. They are in the Aviation regulation business. All that is required to be a pilot is that you are physically able to do the job and not likely to suffer sudden incapacitation during the period of your current medical certificate.
The Americans have a huge body of knowledge in aviation medicine most of it gained from the space program.
One thing to note is that the medical to become a Mission specialist on the space shuttle is the same as an FAA class 2. The JAA put private pilots through more trouble than NASA put their Astronauts. Something has to be wrong with this and clearly the JAA are wrong on the medical issue.
astudent
8th Jun 2001, 19:15
Very many thanks inverted flatspin.
The doctor at Gatwick likewise disagrees with the validity of the EEG. 10 years ago they did not do the test because of its inaccuracy, but are forced to do it now because of the JAA. Maybe one day the JAA will see sense....? (The CAA agreed that there is no safety issue in cases like this).