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Health Condition

Old 27th Jul 2020, 06:36
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Tachycardia

Hi everyone,
I have always had a dream to become a pilot but I always thought that this was a difficult thing to achieve but it doesn't seem to be this way now that I researched. So, anyway now I am at a point in my life where I would like a career change (even if that meant only part time), starting with getting an RPL and then progress to getting a FIR. A couple of years ago I went for a trial flight in a helicopter, and last weekend I did a trial flight in a light aircraft in Sydney. I enjoyed both flights so much and I can see myself doing this for the rest of my life. The instructor was very friendly and helpful as he tried to answer my questions the best he could. There are things he could not answer such as things about health conditions and requirements. He suggested that I join this forum as it would be helpful in my quest.

​​​​​​I am here today because I could not find a definitive answer online and I'm too afraid to ask CASA at this point. I'm hoping someone here can help me.

​​​​​​A few years ago I was diagnosed with a condition called Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia. It is a condition where the heart beats faster than normal causing discomfort mainly (chest pain in my case). It is not a dangerous condition, no abnormality in the heart and life expectancy is normal. The treatment is to take beta-blockers which brings the heart rate down to a normal speed, which works quite well in my case.

Would this disqualify me from ever obtaining a pilot license?

​​​​​

Last edited by mics87; 28th Jul 2020 at 03:13.
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Old 10th Aug 2020, 12:55
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the short answer is that you are only going to find out once you take a medical. You will disclose the condition on the application form and then the medical examiner will refer you for further tests before making a determination. You should apply for a class one medical if you are intending a career in aviation, just in case you have any other related or unrelated issues.

As for beta blockers :-

Consider the following: beta-blockers (such as metoprolol, carvedilol, and their cousins) are used routinely in treatment for hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiac rhythm control. FAA certification in such instances usually requires a bit of documentation, but these medications are quite routinely approved. However, beta-blockers can also be used in the treatment of intractable migraines and panic attacks. In those situations, it’s the medical condition itself more than the medication that is of interest to the FAA.

(text taken from
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-n...ons-and-flying)
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Old 11th Aug 2020, 12:38
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Thanks for this you have given me back hope. To be honest I had given up because I was sure that I would fail the medical when I tell them about my heart condition. I won't have hopes too high but I will try.

Thank you mate
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