Class one Medical issue- ARVC Heart/Pre flight school

[Boyhooddreamer]

Hello all,

After some of the advice some another thread members gave me, one of the main issues that may arise is my class one medical.

I would like to get my class one medical before I start any form of flight school and I am looking to start around September time if all goes to plan.

When I was 14, it was discovered that I had inherited a heart condition from my father known as ARVC. (Link below)

I am know 27 and this heart condition has never had an effect on my life and has never stopped me from doing anything. This is a genetic thing where as a child it could be more problematic .

I had my own cardiologist when I was younger, but due to his case load I was discharged and I get check ups every 4 years to ensure I am still "healthy". The results have never been an issue.

For some reference, I have represented my country at its highest level of field sports and have had many tests where I have exceeded their expectations (for the better). All this testing was done through out playing the sports also, so I took that it wasn't of a concern any more. May be some naivety on my behalf.

Living abroad and having to get a visa based on my health, I know everything else is fine and that I shouldn't have anything to worry about.

So finally, the question I would like to ask....


Would this be a show stopper in my class one medical. I obviously have to be truthful to the doctor but you guys/gals will have a better understanding on this than myself.

Thank you

[wannabeboeingdriver]

I'm obviously not a doctor, so my first advice would be to speak to an AME and ask their expert opinion.

I doubt it would stop you, might just mean you have to do some extra tests, I mean if it's fine now and stable surely it would be okay. (But again I'm not a doctor!) My advice would be to speak to an AME, then all being well at your initial class 1 bring along all your paperwork/reports as the AME will probably want to read this.

I had to get extra cardiac tests when I did my class 1 initial EASA. Even if they want an heart ultrasound or something you can go get it and send them the paperwork.

Assuming you are going to study in Europe or UK you should find an AME and phone/email them.

I wish you the best of luck

[Radgirl]

The A in ARVC stands for arythmia ie abnormal heart rythmns which would have an effect on your life. If you have never had an arrythmia you might be advised to consult a cardiologist again to review your notes and check the diagnosis. However although you will need to discuss this with the CAA for a definitive reply, I am not optimistic you will be allowed a Class 1. The condition has a risk of sudden decapacitation which is the number one concern of the CAA even though many people with the condition live an otherwise normal life. I am sorry not to be optimistic but you are right to get this sorted before paying for training.

As we always say, please come back and tell us the outcome. I would be delighted to be proved wrong.