Failed my Class 1 and my Class 2's gone. What now?

[Dring]

Hi all,

You may remember me from a few months ago as the person who had a needle phobia. Unfortunately I had a letter from the CAA after my case was referred to them by my AME stating that I was unfit for purpose. My Class 2 certificate was also revoked for 6 in the process with an OSL restriction placed on it for a further 5 years. 5 years is also the time period until I can re-apply for a class 1. I was also told that I would've had an OML restriction placed on my Class 1 however because it was an initial assessment, I was assessed as unfit. Even after all the reports from consultants that were required deemed me fit.

The reasoning behind failing it is that I was asked to write a report regarding all 3 episodes of syncope that have ever occurred in my 18 years of living, all of which have been prior to receiving an injection or blood test (or pinprick in terms of the initial). The CAA used the neuro-cardiogenic flowchart for Recurrent Syncope. Now, my argument is that it is not at all a 'Recurrent' issue as it is infrequent and has a known cause. Instead I would say it is more a psychological/psychiatric issue. My other argument is that my issue is not "likely to interfere with the safe exercise of the privileges of the applicable licence(s)" as stated at the start of all conditions in EASA Part-MED. I do understand that because it is a phobia involving fainting, it is a vasovagal syncope due to a trigger being involved, however the phobia is that mild, it will not interfere with any flight operations as my phobia is only of syringes being inserted into myself.

Of course, I am devastated at finding this out as I was just about to do my Solo XC for my PPL and about to book my skills test, I was also due to start training at Oxford for my ATPLs. I am definitely appealing the decision. I contacted BALPA who referred me to a flight safety specialist and I am hoping he could point me in the right direction. Obviously this is just a secondary review from the AMS however, should it reach the final stage of appeal, I need some arguing points.

Does anybody have any experience on the appeals process and how long it may take? Seeing as how I have no Class 2, could I instead finish my training and gain an LAPL instead of a PPL?

In the meantime, I've started to look at apprenticeships in engineering as my qualifications are quite broad and I have limited experience. I'm certainly never going to give up on the dream, 12 years and counting.

Anything is appreciated. Thanks.