Medical issues and obtaining a Class 1

[johnappleseed123]

Hi,

I'm 16, live in Australia and want to be a pilot after high school. I have a few possible medical issues i want to talk about.

Firstly, there is 70% chance i have a form of sinus/sinusitis. I was wondering if i can still obtain a class 1 medical certificate if i have surgery or use a nasal spray.

I wear glasses but my vision can be corrected to the right standards. I also want to know if this is a problem. My mouth/jaw naturally opens up a bit and cant stay closed. Is this a problem? I have trouble breathing through the nose and i think this is related to the sinus.

Any answers would be appreciated. Thanks

[Radgirl]

Hi

If you have chronic sunusitis to the extent that you are mouth breathing, you need to get an ENT opinion regardless of your career aspirations. You may or may not need surgery, but it is not a big deal, can be totally curative, and you can fly afterwards.

Sorry I cant answer your eye question with so much clarity but my understanding is that for non military licenses this is OK.

[AngioJet]

1: Contact your local aeromedical examiner (AME). They will be able to advise you in more detail as to what assessments you need before applying for your certificate.
2: However, as Radgirl has already mentioned, an ENT opinion doesn't seem unreasonable given your sinus issues.

With regards to your vision, wearing glasses should likely not bar you from obtaining a civilian medical certificate, provided your sight can be corrected fully with lenses. However, the CAA (the UK civil aviation authority) does state that those with unusually high refractory errors will need further assessment
(Taken from the CAA website)

(d) Refractive error
(1) At initial examination an applicant may be assessed as fit with:
(i) hypermetropia not exceeding +5.0 dioptres;
(ii) myopia not exceeding -6.0 dioptres;
(iii) astigmatism not exceeding 2.0 dioptres;
(iv) anisometropia not exceeding 2.0 dioptres;
provided that optimal correction has been considered and no significant pathology is demonstrated.

There are quite likely similar rules and regulations in aus.

Get in touch with your local friendly AME and good luck!

[Radgirl]

I am not an AME or DAME Angiojet, but I dont see the purpose of a 16 year old contacting either. He needs a diagnosis of his mouth breathing and without it an AME is simply guessing, although if you have corrective surgery you are indeed 'cured' and it is irrelevant.

Equally why not take your very useful list of eye limitations to his next opthalmic examination and ask the optometrist whether he is within limits? He will get a definitive response.The AME cant advise without having a proper report and I suspect he has just had acuity checks so the prescription will be inadequate.

I have to say I am glad I am not an AME if they get rung up like this. All they can do is repeat your very helpful post, but this chap wants a definitive answer.

[Ulster]

I am not an AME or DAME Angiojet

From the name, Radgirl, I've always assumed that you were a dame (but in small letters, of course ) ! !

Seriously, though, in this instance I agree 100% with your advice to the OP

[gingernut]

Firstly, there is 70% chance i have a form of sinus/sinusitis.

Wow ! That is a bold statement, I'd be inclined to put it to the back of your mind. Show me a pilot that doesn't have sinus problems at some time, and I'll show my bottom in the Victory Hall.

Your visual requirements are more exacting however...... :-)

[johnappleseed123]

Ive had a full eye examination and was told i meet the standards so my eyes are okay. As for my sinus/mouth problems I will talk to a GP and see what he says.