Class 1 Medical Question

[Bahama Breeze]

Guys,

Just a quick one.

If my Class 1 expired 4 months ago, and I go to get one this month, is it still a renewal (the Class 2/3 is obviously still current) or does it have to be an initial issue again?

I understand that because it's been >3 months, the DAME cannot re-validate on-the-spot with his rubber stamp, but still not sure on the initial/renewal part.

I'm 24 so am not expecting to have to do all of those additional tests so required at 25, 30 etc.

Tried asking CASA but they're so useless.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[blueloo]

Hi Bahama, after reading your post I have ascertained that you have an irregular heartbeat, and sleep apnea. So you'll need to go and do some additional testing - for around the next 6-7 months. After seeing a variety of specialists, who will probably clear you, we will Not agree with them (and by we I mean 'me' -who I might add has no medical training or qualifications), and therefore require a series of further medical checks, including a full autopsy. Once these tests comeback clear (around 11months is my estimate) we will give you a class 1 medical. Valid for the remaining time since you initially applied - 1 month. Oh and don't forget to pay us for our services.......

[DirectAnywhere]

Very funny Blueloo!

Bahamas, I don't know the answer to your question but if, as you say, neither does CASA, your next stop should be here.

Home - Commonwealth Ombudsman (http://www.ombudsman.gov.au/)

CASA should be able to tell you something like that - it's what they get their money for and the Ombudsman will give them a kick in the pants on your behalf. Public servants don't like it when they come asking questions.

[Bad medicine]

Hmmm......I just made a very quick phone call to CASA and they were immediately able to tell me that it is 5 years. Call off the ombudsman :D

[outnabout]

Blueloo - :D

I just wish you were pulling my leg - sadly, I fear not.

[Feather #3]

Err.....blueloo's comment is quite correct!

I lived it last year!!:rolleyes:

However, they gave me my medical for Xmas, but it's renewal time time!:ugh: So far $635 on ophthalmology alone.

G'day ;)

Thinks...if all your "conditions" are being actively treated and/or controlled, can you still be considered a "dead man walking"??

[Bad medicine]

Judging by your handle, you must know who to talk to! :-)


Nope. Just rang the 13 number. Put straight through, had the answer within less than a minute. CASA have their issues, but the vast majority of the front-line workers there are very helpful.

[RadioSaigon]

...the vast majority of the front-line workers there are very helpful.

I truly wish I could share your sentiment Bad medicine... regrettably, my (relatively) recent personal experience is scary close to blueloo's piss-take.

[NIK320]

Last time I called avmed to ask a question, I got a lovely lass who had no idea what I was talking about and couldn't even pronounce the medical terms.
The call ended with her making a guess for me :ugh:

Really shouldn't have bothered, I could have made that guess myself.

[Towering Q]

I had a few 'issues' with my Class 1 medical renewal.

Found the best way to communicate was to use the email function. Got reasonably fast responses without being on hold for hours.

[hiwaytohell]

Bahama... just go and do your medical! It is usually not a problem until your class 2 expires.

[Mach E Avelli]

Agree. When I am not expecting to use my Australian class one, I sometimes let it lapse, though never beyond the class two date. Never had a problem, though now that CASA keep the date of the anciliary checks like audiogram and stress ecg etc a close secret it is difficult to know what needs to be done until they tell you.
Suggest you do the basic medical, pay your 75 bucks and assume all is OK until they tell you otherwise. They have a whole department devoted to telling people otherwise.

[ausdoc]

though now that CASA keep the date of the anciliary checks like audiogram and stress ecg etc a close secret it is difficult to know what needs to be done until they tell you.

What a load of complete rubbish.

The requirements for things like that are clearly on the CASA website. Civil Aviation Safety Authority - DAME Reference Chart (http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_100668)

Your DAME is supposed to calculate your Cardiac Risk Index (CRI) at the time of your medical, and the ones that are on the ball will refer you for a stress ECG at that time. If he/she doesn't, and it waits until CASA reminds them, of course it will delay your medical. Same goes for the age-related requirements. If your DAME doesn't keep up with the requirements, find another one.

[Mach E Avelli]

That assumes you have the luxury of always going to the same DAME. Some of us are a bit more itinerant than that. When CASA printed the dates of the anciliary checks on the medical you could at least see where you were in the cycle and so could the DAME.
Maybe any DAME can access your confidential information simply by logging on somewhere?
Oh, and how about some bedside manner here? "a load of complete rubbish" indeed......

[ausdoc]

I'm not really sure what you mean regarding always going to the same DAME. Each medical is essentially a new one, unless CASA have put additional requirements on for the renewal. If they have, they send a letter to you (the pilot) at your registered address (and to the DAME) with the additional requirements for the following year. Otherwise, the requirements are purely age-related as listed on the table on the website, or relate to the CRI that the DAME has to calculate from the information thaey collect at the medical (Blood pressure, smoking status, etc). The only time additional requirements are required are if your medical status has changed, and more information is needed.

I'm pretty sure that DAMEs using the electronic system can get at your previous information, but in most cases they don't need it anyway.

[mustakid]

Hi Ausdoc
Just a question.? Recently completed a medical. 3 goes at the blood pressure. 1st 158/88 2nd 138/88 3rd 125/88 resting rate 90 beats a minute. I,d love to know Casa,s parameters for blood pressure rates.
Also another question.? 62kg BMI 18.2 doses that fall within the limits.?
Regards
M

[ausdoc]

Blood pressure is simply a measurement at that time. There is a range of normal, but high blood pressure is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease including heart attack and stroke. From memory, CASA use a limit of something like 140/95 before they want more information to help quantify that risk in an individual. Your 125/88 is OK, but some regular aerobic exercise, less salt, and less alcohol are always good things to help it.

I don't think there is a lower limit of BMI, but if a low BMI is due to an eating disorder, CASA will take an interest due to the psychiatric implications.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

[mustakid]

Many thanks Ausdoc.
Was a bit worried. Nice to have you on board.
Again many thanks. M:ok:

[ausdoc]

Mach E Avelli,

Oh, and how about some bedside manner here? "a load of complete rubbish" indeed......

Bedside manner has nothing to do with it.

I love a good CASA bashing as much as anybody, but what you wrote was just completely wrong, and obviously designed to be misleading and adversarial. The information is available from the main "Aviation Medicals" page on the CASA website. It is hardly a "close secret".

I still am not sure what you meant when you said that there is a luxury in always going to the same DAME. While I think that sticking with the same Dr, whether it is your GP or DAME, is a good idea; I'm not sure how going to a different DAME makes it difficult to know the age requirements. I would genuinely like to know as it may be something that will help me in my practice. I see a lot of itinerant pilots.

[hiwaytohell]

Just to add to the blood pressure comment, CASA can always request additional. My blood pressure was pretty high a few of years ago (160/110) so some sadist in CASA insisted on me having a stress ECG for a couple of medicals... damn near killed me!

BP still high (145/85) but no further issues last 2 years?