Epilepsy

[ADirtySock]

So I know Epilepsy in aviation is pretty much a no-no. But i'm wondering on how stringent the rules are applied. I had epilepsy between the ages of 11 and 14. I'm 20 now going 21 in a few days and I haven't had a seizure in over 6 years. My neurologist said there was no reason for me to take medication any more and I haven't been back to her since.

I've gotten letters from GP saying that it's ok for me to drive, what would be the procedure for flying. I have a friend who has some lung problems and managed to get accepted into a PPL course with a letter from a doctor.

Is something like this possible with epilepsy?

[flightychick]

Neurological Conditions Guidance Material | Medical | Personal Licences and Training (http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=2499&pagetype=90&pageid=13841#Epi)

Try this link.

[Dak Man]

Almost 20 years ago I had cerebral malaria and as a result while I was comatose I had a seizure that was diagnosed as epileptic in nature, after I recovered from the malaria I weened myself off the epilepsy medication and was subsequently passed fit to fly, although I never did fly commercially again (varous reasons). So don't give up, where there's a will there's a way.

[Radgirl]

The link is really quite good and fair. Basically if there was a single fit, or a reason for the fit, you can get your license back. If there was no reason and you had several fits, it really was epilepsy and you can't.

This may seem harsh but fits can recur and there is good medical reasoning here. So I think you have to be pragmatic unfortunate though it may be

[Mimpe]

As Radgirl says, a formal diagnosis of epilepsy with a second seizure and its a tough ask - its one of the automatically excluded conditions.

Childhood seizures, and totally fit free as an adult with a normal EEG for many years and you may get a flexible response, but i suspect that might involve domestic routes and multi crew only ( at best).

[eason67]

Once the CAA see the word Epilepsy, they will most likely say no without even bothering to read any further. That's how arrogant they are.

Don't give up though!

What you should do is get an updated EEG, an MRI and a top Neurologist,report. Someone who specialises in epilepsy.

They will certainly ask for it, so go to your GP and ask for all this as a medical fitness update. Don't tell them about flying or you'll maybe need to pay for it.

Then, when you are ready see a CAA doctor. I can recommend a very good one at Stanstead.

[dirkdj]

I just finished reading "Grain Brain" by Dr David Perlmutter, neurologist; he makes a link between nutrition and some neurological diseases. Gluten may be the culprit. Very interesting reading for everyone.

[this is my username]

If you suffer from controlled epilepsy then you can fly solo on the basis of an NPPL medical declaration - so you could fly a microlight, gyro or any of the aircraft types covered by an NPPL(SSEA). Unfortunately you won't be able to take a passenger other than someone who is qualified to fly the aircraft.