Pacemaker
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Location: milton keynes, UK
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Pacemaker
I have a friend who has just had a pacemaker fitted. No previous history, no dizziness, just breathlessness when exercising. He is about to tell the CAA. Anyone like to hazard a guess as to how it goes? Is there likely to be a minimum time before getting a class 2 back? He is 66, previously commercial, just GA now. No real symptoms before and none now. They call it 'Heart Block'. Slightly misleading term for ordinary folk, because it is just an electrical block between the Atrium and the Ventricle.
Join Date: Aug 2012
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Pacemaker
Guidance material in the medical section of the CAA website (rhythm and conduction disturbances):
Class 2
(7) Pacemaker
7.1 Applicants with a subendocardial pacemaker may be assessed as fit no sooner than three months after insertion provided:
7.1.1 there is no other disqualifying condition;
7.1.2 a bipolar lead system is used, programmed in bipolar mode without automatic mode change of the device;
7.1.3 the applicant is not pacemaker dependent; and
7.1.4 the applicant has a regular follow-up including a pacemaker check.
together with the flow chart in the related guidance material gives the medical tests required to demonstrate fitness at the end of the three month period -basically exercise ECG, 24 hour ECG and echocardiogram
Class 2
(7) Pacemaker
7.1 Applicants with a subendocardial pacemaker may be assessed as fit no sooner than three months after insertion provided:
7.1.1 there is no other disqualifying condition;
7.1.2 a bipolar lead system is used, programmed in bipolar mode without automatic mode change of the device;
7.1.3 the applicant is not pacemaker dependent; and
7.1.4 the applicant has a regular follow-up including a pacemaker check.
together with the flow chart in the related guidance material gives the medical tests required to demonstrate fitness at the end of the three month period -basically exercise ECG, 24 hour ECG and echocardiogram
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pacemaker
Many thanks, we have that flowchart now and understand the process (I think). It is going to take 3 months PLUS the time to do the tests, PLUS c£1000 every year, PLUS the time for a Cardiologist review. It is all done through the AME, not the CAA, in the case of a class 2 medical.
He flies an EASA aircraft but also an ultralight, which raises other possibilities, which might be of interest to others.
That is, an NPPL. The medical requirement on an NPPL is effectively that of an HGV driver if you want to carry passengers. They require at least 6 weeks after fitment of a pacemaker. You then have to pay, I think, £145 plus something to the GP, assuming they will get involved, which many won't.
The application then goes through the LAA or BMAA, is checked and forwarded to the CAA. All this takes time, so might not be worth it.
If anyone reads this in the future, having had a pacemaker fitted, drop me a note and I may be able to tell you how it went in practice.
Of course if anyone who has been through the process comes upon this in the meantime it would be interesting to compare notes. Undoubtedly there are ramifications we have not thought through yet.
He flies an EASA aircraft but also an ultralight, which raises other possibilities, which might be of interest to others.
That is, an NPPL. The medical requirement on an NPPL is effectively that of an HGV driver if you want to carry passengers. They require at least 6 weeks after fitment of a pacemaker. You then have to pay, I think, £145 plus something to the GP, assuming they will get involved, which many won't.
The application then goes through the LAA or BMAA, is checked and forwarded to the CAA. All this takes time, so might not be worth it.
If anyone reads this in the future, having had a pacemaker fitted, drop me a note and I may be able to tell you how it went in practice.
Of course if anyone who has been through the process comes upon this in the meantime it would be interesting to compare notes. Undoubtedly there are ramifications we have not thought through yet.
Yes there are hoops to jump through and some conditions will simply be a non starter, but if you can manage with acceptable pacemaker settings you should be OK. The tests can be pre booked and done in just over a day. I don't see how anyone can justify £1000 especially as most of the tests are needed as part of routine follow up. Sadly some doctors see the word pilot and think it reads cash cow.
Happy to help on this off thread
Happy to help on this off thread
