Lungs & Class One Medical

[DragStrut]

Hi All

Just had bit of a setback
Attended for a class one at gatwick and was informed my lung function was not up to standard (blew a 68%)

I have been told to begin taking an inhaler for 4 to 6 weeks and this will help pass the retest.

Has anyone had this problem before and did they get through it and what is the worst case scenario is it poss to get a restricted class one if 'worst situation' i cant blow 70 %?

On tenterhooks now thinking all kinds of things need help...

Thanks in advance for replies

[ultimatepro63]

things to help with lungs are to do breating exersises

its all i can thing to things like

breth in deeply and out fast

breath in and hol breathhout

[DocJacko]

Could you specify your problem in more detail? Is the 68% that tou mentioned a ratio of forced expiration volume in one second to total lung capacity?
If so, low values are typically found in asthmatics and smokers....
Now guess my recommendation!

[ecnalubma]

You could go the easy route and use inhalers but their are side effects to those too. My suggestion would be if you smoke, stop. If you are really out of shape get back into shape the old fashion way, excercise. And if it is a result of a medical condition, seek a Doctor who can treat you.
Always seek medical advice before starting any excercise regime.

[DragStrut]

lung reply

Thanks for replies

1) Yeah it is the One second exhalation against lung size (68%)

2) Dont smoke and never have. Other wise fit and healthy.

3)did suffer from asthma as a child but have had no recurrance or need for inhalers etc for 15 years.

I have just purchased a product called power lung designed to increase lung strength in athletes whcih i am using in conjunction with an exercise programme.

I have had a further re test at bupa whcih showed that i had large lungs for my height whcih could also account for low result.

[ecnalubma]

If your fit, don't smoke, not asthmatic, ect.
Ever think that whatever machine they used could be malfunctioning?

[DocJacko]

In any way, I would recommend further testing. Your low performance on the lung test is typically due to increased airway resistance or lack of motivation to execute the test.
There are several possible reasoins for increased airway resistance, and you should have them checked out by a doctor.

[jord82]

DragStrut - I hope it works out! I took my medical very recently and I too have a few concerns about the lung tests... I dive and have done for years, have kept fit and healthy and never smoked BUT failed to get a 'great' result in the lung function tests. My question is (sorry if it is a selfish one) did you find out you'd failed on the day while at the CAA?

I am awaiting my letter and trying to weigh up if my results were not good enough and if they would have told me on the day. Surely they would!

The worry I have had since deciding to go for a career as a pilot is enormous! I am sure it's all worth it! Good luck to all those going to a medical at Gatwick. It is really not a bad experience and not something to be nervous about. However... my tip... when you get to the lung funtion test... do it like your life depends on it!!

[Barry Cuda]

Dragstrut, I had a very similar experience some years ago when I first applied for a Class 1... Like you I had been diagnosed as being asthmatic as a child, despite never having an "attack", and had been on numerous inhalers over the years.

Anyway, to cut a long story short I ended up persuading the CAA (thanks to some help by an eminent professor in this sort of thing) that I would never pass a normal lung function test using a hard blowing method, and instead would pass using a long slow blow... The CAA accepted this and I am now a Class 1 holder.

Hope that helps!

[timzsta]

I had a similar problem with my initial class 1 whilst I was serving in the Royal Navy. When I joined I was amongst about 25% of the entrants who passed all their fitness tests at the first attempt having followed the pre joining fitness programme.

I was referred to the respiratory specialist at the CAA for further testing and examination. It was found that I was entirely fit and healthy, just that my lung capacity is outside 2 standard deviations of the norm. I was given a full unrestricted class 1 medical and recently gained my fATPL.

Get further consultation - there maybe nothing wrong with you other then what I had. I can run quite a respectable 5000m, it would be all the more respectable with slightly larger lungs!!

[DragStrut]

lungs

thanks again for all the replies guys begining to feel a little better now...

in response to the question no they didnt tell me on the day and still havent as i havent failed the medical they just need to look a little more into it (did they make you run round the car park)!?

working out a lot more now and have a breathing trainer device. initially was only 4% below the pass so hopefully retest will be a pass.

In relation to lung size my bupa specialist too said that the result i blew for him was representative of very healthy lungs, i just have bigger lungs than norm. hopefully this will persuade them

Thanks again

[jord82]

No running round the car park for me. I'd quite happily run a marathon to prove i'm fit however!

My results should be through any time. If there's anything interesting i'll write again...