shantiw

Hi!

Ok so here is the thing. Im very interessted in becoming a pilot and ever since I got my first demoflight experience I felt hooked by the airline profession.. That was 1 year ago.

Now the thing that has been nagging me for 1 year and still does is that im diagnosed with Crohn's disease, and treated with Remicade (infliximab). I contacted the medical class 1 doc, and accoording to him the Crohn's disease shouldent be an problem if its under controll and has been that for the past 2 years. Thing is. Crohn's is under controll but only if I take Remicade. I dident get an answer if Remicade would disqualify me from becoming a pilot. With Remicade it's like I never had the disease in the first place. But without its kinda though.

So here im asking you. Do any of you know or have any knowledge/experience with Remicade and the airline pilot career?


/shantiw

gingernut

Enouraging that Crohns itself isn't disqualifying.

I suspect that the authorities will have to take specialist advice about your drug treatment.

Maybe the immunosupressant issue may throw up a few issues, 'specially considering the pressures of your vocation.

Try and fight your corner on the grounds of the successful control so far.

nannodnai

Proven Crohn's disease is viewed by the CAA / JAA with a good deal of suspicion, for two reasons. 1. it is notoriously difficult to "control" well, and is always regarded as liable to unpredictable flare-ups at any time (obviously not good in professional aircrew, especially long-haul), and 2. even if well controlled, the possible (maybe even likely) sequelae of previous flare-ups (such as adhesions, obstructions etc ) can be just as disabling as the active disease itself.

The authorities also take a cautious view on new, relatively unproven, remedies, and this is likely to be one of those. As more experience of new drugs is gained, then more pilots can be approved to use them. There is a web-site with useful information about this medication. I won't post a link to it, just "Google" the trade-name and you'll get straight there.

shantiw

Thanks alot for the answers!

Yes I kinda suspect that they will have to take some special considiration on my case. But I must say I got a nice feeling looking up that "google" link:P Actually found an answer wish I havent found before searching..

""New" FAA-authorized medications:

Remicade (infliximab): The FAA requires that a patient take two to three doses (usually given 2-4 weeks apart) before applying for approval of this treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease."

If im right, that means that they want the patient to take the medicin atleast 2-3 times before applying just to see that the patient dosent suffer from any side affects. Iv taken the dose for about 30-40 times, given every 6-12 weeks apart with no side affects at all, ever.

So that text kinda made me abit calmer Will take the class 1 test later this summer I belive. Il get back to you with the results of it incase someone is interessted.

So thanks for replying, and if anyone has a personal experience with this treatment and the aviation, feel free to post ..

/shantiw

Y593

Hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, I lost my Class 1 due to Crohn's about 25 years ago. CAA said they would reconsider 12 months later if I didn't have any flare-ups, but the doc did bluntly say 'it will be VERY hard to find employment now you've been diagnosed with Crohn's - even if not on medication and it is in remission'.

I know things have changed a lot since then, and I currently hold a class 2 medical, but Crohn's is a nasty disease and even if you tick the CAA medical boxes and get the Class 1, getting employment from an airline with Crohn's on your CV is going to be nigh on impossible.

I suppose my advice would be, if you've got Crohn's, don't spend thousands of pounds pursuing a dream. That said, if you've already spent the money - fight them all the way.

Bob the Doc

Can the airlines do that? Surely if the CAA finds you fit to hold a licence, it is inappropriate for the airlines to take your medical history into account? That is what your AME is for. I would have thought that you might have grounds for complaint. After all, a Class 1 licence says you are fit to fly, what right have the airlines to say that you are not?

I can understand them saying that if you have a poor history of sickness absence due to a long-term health problem then that might be an issue but if that were the case, you probably wouldn't get the Class 1.

I am not a lawyer but I would be tempted to ask a legal friend (if you have one) where that sits in the discrimination camp. Are the airlines allowed to ask for confidential medical information?

bigmouth1980

I would be shocked and disappointed if that was the case. I am currently in a similar boat. Just found out I have Crohn's, and as a military pilot you're pretty much screwed. The big issue is, even if you're stable you can't fly as Pilot in Command.

Anyway, please let me know if anyone has any specific advice on the CAA's stance on Crohn's. I am currently taking PENTASA only to control the condition and have no side effects.

Daysleeper

First off - why would it be on your CV? On a medical questionnaire sure (but only if it is asked) but on your cv...

Second off - having had chron's for about ten years I have retained my class 1 and changed job while I had it. Then again I am in remission and take no drugs.

Third : In the UK Chron's could count as a disability and AFAIK you are under no obligation to bring it to the attention of any potential employer. It may be illegal under the Disability Discrimination Act for an interview panel to ask specific questions about it. About all they can ask is how many days off sick you have had in the past XX years.

All that said, for very good reasons the steroids and many other drugs used to control Chron's are contra indicated with flying.

Openness with the CAA medical department and your AME are the best bet. I've always had good support from them.

Whether I would start an aviation career knowing I had Chron's I'm not sure. I was already working when it manifested itself and as I have little other skills beyond flying I either got back to it or ended up on the dole - big motivation! Medicals are always the weakest point for any pilot so best advice - find a backup plan!

Usual cautions apply - I'm not a doctor, everything I say must be taken with a pinch of salt etc.



PS the original question was about Remicide - dunno is the answer. I'd suggest getting a specific answer from a National Aviation Authority before outlaying too much cash!