Septal perforation or simply hole in the nose

[Medov]

Hello all!
I read PPRuNe forum since 2009 and found a lot of helpful information about education and etc. But now I want to share my problem with you.
All my life I was dreaming to become a commercial pilot, but the financial situation in my country was bad, and also no chances to get sponsorship.
In that case I already 7 years "fighting" and spend all my money to licences. At the moment I have PPL(A)+ NVFR passed ATPL theory and 200 flying hours. And in the november I was planning to start my IR(A) but before was performed a plastic surgery (because I had trauma in childhood, and for me was difficult to fly, when it was a cold and etc.) to breathe freely and not suffer from cold like before.
I spend a lot of money to this surgery, all was going good, until now (2 month after surgery) I found that I have HOLE in my inner wall nose (septal) aprx 1,5cm to 0,5cm. I already have been at consultation with my surgeon (but she told me, that is OKEy! omg! okey?!). As I found information in the internet the name is "Nasal septum perforation".
I really afraid go to AAeMC or AME. Only what I found in PART-MED docs is:

MED.B.080 Otorhino-laryngology
(a) Applicants shall not possess any abnormality of the function of the ears, nose, sinuses or throat, including oral cavity, teeth and larynx, or any active pathological condition, congenital or acquired, acute or chronic, or any sequelae of surgery or trauma which is likely to interfere with the safe exercise of the privileges of the applicable licence(s).
(b) Hearing shall be satisfactory for the safe exercise of the privileges of the applicable licence(s).
(c) Examination
(d) Applicants for a Class 1 medical certificate with:
(1) an active pathological process, acute or chronic, of the internal or middle ear;
(2) unhealed perforation or dysfunction of the tympanic membrane(s);
(3) disturbance of vestibular function;
(4) significant restriction of the nasal passages;
(5) sinus dysfunction;
(6) significant malformation or significant, acute or chronic infection of the oral cavity or upper respiratory tract;
(7) significant disorder of speech or voice;
shall undergo further medical examination and assessment to establish that the condition does not interfere with the safe exercise of the privileges of the licence held.

What does it mean for my? As I understand I catch the rule c2, c6? And what they mean by shall undergo further medical examination and assessment to establish that the condition does not interfere with the safe exercise of the privileges of the licence held Who determines I will pass or not? And they will be guided by what?

Hope to get some feedback!
Thanks!

[Radgirl]

Hi

If you have been reading PPrune for 6 years you will know that regulators can be a law unto themselves. However you do not fail on any the points you have pasted into your post. The tympanic membrane is in the ear, not the nose

You do not say what operation you had. Plastic surgery sounds a bit like a rhinoplasty. You can end up with a perforation, and you need to discuss with your surgeon whether it should be closed by another operation. If it is small and doesnt interfere with your life you may be advised to leave it.

If I were examining you (and I am not an AME) I would want to confirm the hole wasnt because you are sniffing cocaine, wasnt because of cancer of an operation for cancer, and didnt affect your speech such that you couldnt be understood.

That being the case I would have no concern, but at the end of the day the advice, as always, is to speak to the medical department of your regulator and get a definitive answer before spending any more time or money just in case

Let us know how you get on and good luck

[Medov]

Hi!
Thank you for your reply!
I specially post this thread to find someone who maybe had the same situation or know friends who had this problem. I think you understand why I don't want go to AME right now. For them is easy to put the restriction in your licence or simply reduce the class level to 2 medical.
Simply if we imagine who would this little hole in my nose could affect safety in flight?
And how now I understand the stand - shall undergo further medical examination and assessment to establish that the condition does not interfere with the safe exercise of the privileges of the licence held the final decision is on doctor, but if he/she have some personal conflicts with me? And purposely what to prevent me from flying? How I would fight with them? How I can legally prove that I am fit?

P.S. Of course I will keep you informed of my progress

[MIdo_777]

Hii Medov,

I'm Egyptian pilot holding Class 1 Medical according to ICAO standards. I have a "posterior" nasal septum perforation as a consequence of a nasal septum surgery i had 5 years ago however, Fortunately i never experienced any of the perforation symptoms that may interfere with the safety of flight "Crusting, Bleeding, Nasal congestion, etc. I really feel you so much because i always feel insecure about this :oh:. i always wondering if i went for any Aeromedical council somewhere else outside Egypt how are they going to respond to my case?! i hope it wouldn't be a big deal. Anyway i just wanted to share my experience with you and letting you know that you are not alone :). I wish you best of luck and success. let me hear from you!

[Pukzz1]

Hey man, I have the same problem. Did you do the medical? And how did it go? If anyone else has some information please share :)

Thanks in advance.