Medical Cert Issues
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Medical Cert Issues
Hi all
Just after a bit of advice. I recently sat my medical exam and the DAME was happy with everything and re-validated my medical cert for 2 months stating there were no issues to be concerned about.
However I received a letter from casa stating they want Alcohol bloods, I inquired with them as to why and they told me that during the questionnaire regarding alcohol use they use a scoring system, and anyone who scores above 3 automatically gets sent for alcohol bloods. I have scored a 4. I don't really know why this is. I answered all the questions honestly and didn't think I was one to be classed as having a drinking problem. I answered no to all "the ever had a DUI, ever had a drink at work, do I ever consume more than 6 drinks in one sitting, e.t.c". The only thing I did state is that I have 2-3 drinks 2-4 times a week (again just being honest). I don't know if that was enough to score me a 4 or if my DAME ticked the wrong box somewhere.
It is a class 2 for a PPL(A). I received the letter on Monday and had blood taken that evening, however I was at a childs birthday the Sunday before where the alcohol was flowing freely and I had a couple (3 beers so around 4 std drinks over 4 hrs). I haven't had a drink since receiving the letter. 2 of the 3 blood test have come back, the full bloods came back normal, the liver function tests came back with some slightly elevated numbers (I can provide details if anyone knows what they mean) which from what I have read are very sensitive and can be not only be from recent alcohol consumption (not alcohol abuse) but can also be from some meds and even smoking, as well as early signs of liver problems. I'm still waiting on my carbohydrate-deficient transferrin test results, and from what I understand that is the real alcohol abuse test but again can be elevated from recent consumption (again, not abuse). Now when I went for my medical I had a talk to the DAME about my smoking and she prescribed Zyban which is a stop smoking drug which I was on and had not smoked for around 2 weeks when I did my blood tests, however I was using nicotine patches on the DAMES advice to increase my chance of success.
The other problem I have is it takes about 2 weeks to get into see my DAME, and my medical runs out on 22/9. Anyone ever had any experience with a similar situation? I'm just trying to figure out weather to give them my current blood test results with them being slightly elevated and get back inthe air ASAP or wait a week or 2 without drinking and have more blood taken and give them clean test results. And do you think this is the sort of thing that CASA are going to give me a hard time about for months/years to come (i.e am I stuffed?).
Any help/advice appreciated.
Just after a bit of advice. I recently sat my medical exam and the DAME was happy with everything and re-validated my medical cert for 2 months stating there were no issues to be concerned about.
However I received a letter from casa stating they want Alcohol bloods, I inquired with them as to why and they told me that during the questionnaire regarding alcohol use they use a scoring system, and anyone who scores above 3 automatically gets sent for alcohol bloods. I have scored a 4. I don't really know why this is. I answered all the questions honestly and didn't think I was one to be classed as having a drinking problem. I answered no to all "the ever had a DUI, ever had a drink at work, do I ever consume more than 6 drinks in one sitting, e.t.c". The only thing I did state is that I have 2-3 drinks 2-4 times a week (again just being honest). I don't know if that was enough to score me a 4 or if my DAME ticked the wrong box somewhere.
It is a class 2 for a PPL(A). I received the letter on Monday and had blood taken that evening, however I was at a childs birthday the Sunday before where the alcohol was flowing freely and I had a couple (3 beers so around 4 std drinks over 4 hrs). I haven't had a drink since receiving the letter. 2 of the 3 blood test have come back, the full bloods came back normal, the liver function tests came back with some slightly elevated numbers (I can provide details if anyone knows what they mean) which from what I have read are very sensitive and can be not only be from recent alcohol consumption (not alcohol abuse) but can also be from some meds and even smoking, as well as early signs of liver problems. I'm still waiting on my carbohydrate-deficient transferrin test results, and from what I understand that is the real alcohol abuse test but again can be elevated from recent consumption (again, not abuse). Now when I went for my medical I had a talk to the DAME about my smoking and she prescribed Zyban which is a stop smoking drug which I was on and had not smoked for around 2 weeks when I did my blood tests, however I was using nicotine patches on the DAMES advice to increase my chance of success.
The other problem I have is it takes about 2 weeks to get into see my DAME, and my medical runs out on 22/9. Anyone ever had any experience with a similar situation? I'm just trying to figure out weather to give them my current blood test results with them being slightly elevated and get back inthe air ASAP or wait a week or 2 without drinking and have more blood taken and give them clean test results. And do you think this is the sort of thing that CASA are going to give me a hard time about for months/years to come (i.e am I stuffed?).
Any help/advice appreciated.
Last edited by I_Con; 19th Sep 2014 at 04:25. Reason: Spelling
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The message here is to be very careful with the responses on these medical forms.
An innocent response can trigger the sort of over reaction that the CASA medical branch is increasingly becoming well known for.
Practical interpretations are a thing of the past for as long as the existing (and out of touch) Head of Aviation Medicine remains employed.
An innocent response can trigger the sort of over reaction that the CASA medical branch is increasingly becoming well known for.
Practical interpretations are a thing of the past for as long as the existing (and out of touch) Head of Aviation Medicine remains employed.
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I had a chat to an old instructor about this, when I told him my situation his first words were "oh no", then he suggested in future to re-evaluate my definition of honest.
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I really feel for you and the predicament you are now in. Avmed are a law unto themselves and have been known to disregard leading SPECIALIST advice regarding pilot health risks. This may take a long time to resolve, and follow you around as you predicted. It may have a detrimental effect on your career for a long time to come.
Here's some advice I gave last time this subject came up ...
I have two doctors, a DAME for aviation medicals and a GP for other stuff. 
A sad indictment on the Avmed section of CAsA.
Here's some advice I gave last time this subject came up ...
NO,NO,NO,NO,YES,NO,NO,NO,NO.
When I do my medical each year the answers never change.
Just answer NO to everything except the one about 20 min exercise.
When I do my medical each year the answers never change.
Just answer NO to everything except the one about 20 min exercise.
A sad indictment on the Avmed section of CAsA.
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Have you got a link for the last time this came up, nothing turned up in my search.
Oh I already have a non aviation career, flying is (was?) for pleasure, think I might buy a boat.
Oh I already have a non aviation career, flying is (was?) for pleasure, think I might buy a boat.
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I have PM'ed him but he hasn't been online for a few weeks, anyone know what the outcome for Dogman (The OP in that thread) was? His profile still lists him as a pilot so hopefully all went well.
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Renewal of Medical Certificate
It would seem that CASA do not trust the DAME's to conduct aviation medicals. In my case I was honest, some may say silly, enough to be honest when questioned about visits to hospital. I had the treatment recommended by the Urologist in whose care I have been for years. All subsequent tests have shown I no longer have any issue. The DAME, my regular GP, the Urologist and the treating Specialist all advise me they can see no reason my Medical Certificate (Class 2) should not be renewed.
CASA insist on having reports from an Oncologist before reviewing their decision. For me it is not worth the cost involved to take the chance that CASA may relent. It is a case of CASA owns the ball.....!
CASA insist on having reports from an Oncologist before reviewing their decision. For me it is not worth the cost involved to take the chance that CASA may relent. It is a case of CASA owns the ball.....!
Last edited by Old Fella; 21st Sep 2014 at 06:08.
This happened to a bloke at work after he was 'too honest' on the medical questionnaire. He had the blood test and assumed that would be the end of it, turned out his liver tests showed areas of concern and CASA decided he was a full blown alcoholic despite several specialists giving him letters to say he had a genetic liver issue which results in elevated liver results. Basically he was off work for 9 months as despite the specialist evidence CASA were not happy bunnies and stated it was up to him to 'prove he wasn't an alcoholic'.
End of the day the lesson is, be very very very careful how you answer those questions.
End of the day the lesson is, be very very very careful how you answer those questions.
The only thing between innocent punters and the 30,000 death plunge is Our Saviour: The PMO. (Blessed be the PMO!)
There is 'recent medical research' to show that most aviation accidents and incidents are caused by undiagnosed medical problems. These problems are obvious to Our Saviour (Blessed be the PMO!) but hidden to mere specialists and other medical practitioners with combined experience of centuries.
In order to be saved thou must disclose every aspect of your personal life and undergo intrusive tests, so that Our Saviour (Blessed be the PMO!) can reach the divine satisfaction and mercifully certify mere mortal aviators. The weak and lame are miraculously saved, by the laying on of conditions.
Sinners who doubt Our Saviour (Blessed be the PMO!) beware! Thy lack of faith shall be construed as a failure to meet the medical standard, and thee shall be doomed to expensive tests, long delays and, ultimately, litigation.
There endeth the lesson.
There is 'recent medical research' to show that most aviation accidents and incidents are caused by undiagnosed medical problems. These problems are obvious to Our Saviour (Blessed be the PMO!) but hidden to mere specialists and other medical practitioners with combined experience of centuries.
In order to be saved thou must disclose every aspect of your personal life and undergo intrusive tests, so that Our Saviour (Blessed be the PMO!) can reach the divine satisfaction and mercifully certify mere mortal aviators. The weak and lame are miraculously saved, by the laying on of conditions.
Sinners who doubt Our Saviour (Blessed be the PMO!) beware! Thy lack of faith shall be construed as a failure to meet the medical standard, and thee shall be doomed to expensive tests, long delays and, ultimately, litigation.
There endeth the lesson.
I think there is a change coming up whereas you will fill out the questionnaire on line and then present to the Dame and he/ she just does the medical renewal, logs on and ads to your file which is then processed by Avmed
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Sorry I_Con, should have read you post properly. First para ... Class 2 medical. Your chosen (non-aviation) career may yet be safe, if CAsA do not ring or write your employer in the meantime. After all, they did send that CVD letter to employers recently!
Due the plethora of recent anecdotal evidence, I have decided at my next medical, I shall declare myself a young, non-smoking, fitness fanatical teetotaler. The only thing I may not get away with is my age; my DAME has known me a looong time.
Due the plethora of recent anecdotal evidence, I have decided at my next medical, I shall declare myself a young, non-smoking, fitness fanatical teetotaler. The only thing I may not get away with is my age; my DAME has known me a looong time.
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So doing some research into this (and not coming up with much) I have stumbled upon this. apparently a DAME can issue a class 2 medical on the spot. Anyone ever heard of this? It's news to me.