Is my AME correct?

[4535jacks]

I had my initial class 1 today and passed everything but because I ticked yes to a history of asthma and headaches I was told that I needed to be referred to a respiratory and neurological specialist to write a report to the CAA. I was under the impression that is was not required as my spitometry test was over 70% (scored 80%) and I have not had asthmatic symptoms for over 25 years. According to the CAAs online guidance, no exercise spirometry is required. However my AME insisted I still need a referral according to EASA which supersedes the CAA guidance but after researching the EASA medical guidance, it mirrors that of the CAA.

In terms of headaches I took a couple of letters from my GPS that confirmed that I have not had a headache in 17 years which is significantly more than the 5 years headache free required by the CAA and the EASA guidance mentions no requirement for referral to a CAA approved specialist.

These two referrals will cost me £610 and I don't what to do them unless absolutely necessary.

So does anyone have a definitive answer on the requirement for referral under EASA? Should I challenge this with my AME?

[miller745]

Was this from Heathrow Medical? I had to do the same thing about childhood asthma.

[4535jacks]

Yes it was Heathrow. But reading the EASA AMC I don't think it is necessary and therefore a waste of my money.

[miller745]

The AME was adamant mine had to be done. He was more concerned about me having asthma 20 years ago than he was at me squashing my left forearm in machinery 7 years ago which seemed to go relatively unquestioned.
In my opinion the referral there was a waste of time, after 7 minutes of a brisk run on the treadmill, barely breaking a sweat then blowing into the mouthpiece over 3 separate sessions I was free to go. I just took it on the chin as one of those hoops to jump through..
The admin staff there can be very condescending so I wish you luck!

[4535jacks]

Originally Posted by miller745

The AME was adamant mine had to be done. He was more concerned about me having asthma 20 years ago than he was at me squashing my left forearm in machinery 7 years ago which seemed to go relatively unquestioned.
In my opinion the referral there was a waste of time, after 7 minutes of a brisk run on the treadmill, barely breaking a sweat then blowing into the mouthpiece over 3 separate sessions I was free to go. I just took it on the chin as one of those hoops to jump through..
The admin staff there can be very condescending so I wish you luck!

​​​​​​​Did you manage to get a Class 1 without restrictions or limitations?

[miller745]

I can't apply for a Class 1 at the minute due to one eye being slightly out of limits. I've currently got class 2.
The report I was given from the assessment said "There was no exercise-induced bronchospasm. He has no current respiratory symptoms or evidence of asthma and I happy that he fulfils the respiratory criteria for a Class 1 and Class 2 Pilot's licence without any restrictions"
I'm not sure how much the CAA read in to that part of the report or do they make their own decision?
Interestingly the Test Form which was attached to the report stated the reason for request being "Current or past diagnosis of asthma (within 5 years class 1 or 2 years class 2) needing regular (>once per 3 months) use of any inhaler."