Bronchiectasis

[steelbranch]

Hi,

I had a lung infection last year that I could not properly shift for whatever reason, and now I have a condition called bronchiectasis. Antibiotics have not solved the problem, and it seems the only solution to properly resolve the issue is surgery. I will need to have the middle lobe of my right lung removed.

Before any of this, I obtained an initial Class 1 medical and completed my PPL. My intention is to return to flight training later this year as I have put together the funds for the CPL.

Would any of you be able to tell me whether this proposed lung surgery will affect my ability to maintain and/or renew my Class 1 medical? I am aware that none of this sounds good, but would like to have input from anyone with aeromedical experience to see if I am now precluded from CPL training.

According to what I understand, the overall capacity of the lungs is not greatly affected by the surgery, but this might not be acceptable from the medical standpoint to hold a Class 1.

Any clarifications will be very much appreciated.

Regards,

SB

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Someone with medical knowledge is bound to respond but you could always bell the medics at Gatwick.. Good luck and I hope everything pans out for you.

[Fostex]

The CAA medical guidance for respiratory conditions is available here

Respiratory Guidance Material | Medical | Personal Licences and Training (http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=2499&pagetype=90&pageid=13861)

At the bottom of the page is some guidance on flight crew undergoing a pneumonectomy and the general impression given is that medicals are treated on a case by case basis by the respiratory specialist at the AMS at Gatwick. You are undergoing a lobectomy but the review procedure is likely to be very similar.

The key thing with any aviation medical review is having all the data to hand before you approach the CAA. Get a report from your respiratory consultant, surgeon and appropriate chest imaging. You'll also most likely need exercise spirometry and cardiac testing. If you want to make a case to the CAA that you are healthy enough to be issued a Class 1, you need professional reports to back it up.

Best of luck, my mother in law suffers from bronchiectasis so I am quite familiar with the condition.

[JeroenC]

And be carefull that when applying for a job later, outside the EU, the company might have more stringent rules.
Best of luck.

[steelbranch]

Hi guys,

Many thanks for the replies and encouragement, and Fostex thanks for the specific link that you sent. I'll follow up with AME and see what the way forward could be.

All the best.

[steelbranch]

Hi Winnerhofer,

Thanks for the information. I will check this out further, but to the best of my understanding, bronchiectasis is a non-fibrosis condition, so the origin might not be endocrine-related. In any case, I am seeking further medical advice based on the article you cited, and will see what I get back.

Thanks again,

SB

[gingernut]

Apologies, don't know the rules and reg's for this, but I expect they'll look at the functional aspect of your recovery, (have you returned to your normal self, do you have any exacerbations, have you required any hospital admissions etc etc.)

Good luck.

[Danny42C]

Steelbranch,

In the "Military Aviation" Forum, look up "Gaining a RAF Pilots Brevet in WWII" (usually on Page 1 or 2). Go to Page 188, #3757 et seq, for my story with your problem.

60 years ago, true, but the prognosis is still the same. The thing is irreversible. The only real answer is excision of the lobe - in my case left lower basal. Have a good long chat with your Consultant. (My lung spot is no worse today than it was then).

Best of luck,

Danny42C