Arzenim
5th May 2024, 23:01
Hi there, fellow, PPRuNe members.
I am a 20-year-old ATPL student based in Europe.
Soon after beginning my ATPL course, I was by complete coincidence diagnosed with a very rare liver disease called small duct PSC as well as inflammatory bowel disease, which usually accompanies PSC and is milder than regular IBD. As I have been (and I still am) feeling completely alright, the news came as a shock. I panicked and immediately went to take my EASA class 1 medical, which was initially rejected on the grounds of the two diseases. Considering the rare nature of my disease, I filed for reassessment together with multiple specialist doctor expert opinions and managed to secure my EASA class 1 medical with two limitations, namely SIC (meaning I have to submit my medical documentation to the aeromedical center on every checkup) and TML12, which limits the validity of my certificate to 12 months for the class 2 as well. In the opinion of my gastroenterologists, it is very likely that I will live a mostly normal, symptom free life, so I am willing to take the risk of losing my class 1 in 20-30 years to pursue my dream career.
My concern is, however, my employability. Considering that I have no professional flying experience, will the airlines even consider me with the limitations on my certificate? Is it better to give up on my ATPL and start looking for other job opportunities? Have some of you with restricted medicals had problems with securing a job?
I am very grateful for any input.
With kind regards,
Arzenim
I am a 20-year-old ATPL student based in Europe.
Soon after beginning my ATPL course, I was by complete coincidence diagnosed with a very rare liver disease called small duct PSC as well as inflammatory bowel disease, which usually accompanies PSC and is milder than regular IBD. As I have been (and I still am) feeling completely alright, the news came as a shock. I panicked and immediately went to take my EASA class 1 medical, which was initially rejected on the grounds of the two diseases. Considering the rare nature of my disease, I filed for reassessment together with multiple specialist doctor expert opinions and managed to secure my EASA class 1 medical with two limitations, namely SIC (meaning I have to submit my medical documentation to the aeromedical center on every checkup) and TML12, which limits the validity of my certificate to 12 months for the class 2 as well. In the opinion of my gastroenterologists, it is very likely that I will live a mostly normal, symptom free life, so I am willing to take the risk of losing my class 1 in 20-30 years to pursue my dream career.
My concern is, however, my employability. Considering that I have no professional flying experience, will the airlines even consider me with the limitations on my certificate? Is it better to give up on my ATPL and start looking for other job opportunities? Have some of you with restricted medicals had problems with securing a job?
I am very grateful for any input.
With kind regards,
Arzenim