Class 1 Medical Failed..awaiting Cardio decision

[TangoVictor73]

Hi All,

First of all one of the oldest budding CPL's in the making that I know of at 46 and this is why due to my inexperience has probably led me to coming here and asking for advice.

Having started my PPL beginning of September this year and without going for a Class 1 or 2 medical ( I know school boy error seriously!), come to the point after flying 14 hrs that to go solo it's a must I have a licence. Therefore, headed down to get my Class 1 thinking it would be touch and go (excuse the pun) but the opposite happened of that. I failed on a non-specific ST and T wave abnormality on my ECG. My dad who is a retired surgeon, looked at my report and as much it looks borderline, looked enough to get a pass.

I have opted to go fast track and was hoping this would be start of my journey that I have been looking forward to for long time but right now all I think is disappointment and a dead end.

Can folk share their experience and wisdom to help me get through this tough week that lies ahead. Really gutted at this moment.

Thanks

[Huntaway]

Did they fail you or are you waiting further testing?

I was in a similar boat as you; rocked up to flight school in the UK (having seen an AME who said it all looked fine but needing an initial medical from Gatwick House for a certificate) only to have my decision deferred due to an ECG anomaly (inverse ST wave I think? I forget now).

I had to have further testing and an echocardiogram before being given the all clear, by which time I'd been at flight school for 3 months with my future hanging in the balance.

The initial AME was very helpful and explained that the CAA's definition of what is 'normal' is a pretty tight band, and that lots of healthy people (including him) we're placed outside this range. This may be why it looks ok to your dad but not the CAA?

​​​

[TangoVictor73]

Thanks Hubtaway for your reply...

No, I haven't failed as per se till the cardiologist has had a look at the graph. I'm assuming the norm is to get it analysed by them and then after it's either a pass or further investigation required. Here's hoping to some good news!

You have your wings now?

[PilotRoger]

Good luck mate. Just cross check, specially if your medical gets approved with limitations, if such limitation/s will restrict you to get a job.

[TangoVictor73]

Originally Posted by PilotRoger

Good luck mate. Just cross check, specially if your medical gets approved with limitations, if such limitation/s will restrict you to get a job.

Thanks mate ..I guess there will be more hurdles to jump over after getting a medical.

If they do put restrictions, how is one meant to go solo for simple skills test on the PPL??

[parkfell]

Originally Posted by TangoVictor73

Thanks mate ..I guess there will be more hurdles to jump over after getting a medical.

If they do put restrictions, how is one meant to go solo for simple skills test on the PPL??

One possible answer is to have a restriction placed on the Class One (OML) and an unrestricted Class 2.

Not sure however if an initial Class One can have a restriction..?

The additional investigations such as Angiogram, ETT (treadmill ECG) might be called for?

[Radgirl]

I am afraid

a non-specific ST and T wave abnormality

is meaningless in medical terms. Bit like 'the engine sounds funny'

So you will not get any sensible advice and, frustrating though it is, it is necessary to await the verdict.

I would however just check the leads were on correctly - there are numerous incidents of leads being put on back to front leading to disqualifications. So if you are failed just ask for a repeat ECG first with the cardiologist or cardiology technician......

[Jordan199721]

There is a FB group called Aviation Medicals if you need any more support or advice! Great range of people in that group too!

[TangoVictor73]

**UPDATE**

I didn't get the nod from the cardiologist, so need further testing (Bruce protocol).

Ah the joys of pursuing a career in Avation, sure comes at a price literally!

[Huntaway]

Originally Posted by TangoVictor73

You have your wings now?

Yes, I got my wings (cpl) Like you I also needed a Bruce test, as well as a 24hr monitoring halter and an echocardiogram. That took the longest as I had to be referred to a consultant by GP.

Now I have a class 1 medical with no restrictions. I was told I may need further additional echocardiograms in the future, but there's no timetable and it's pretty vague.

So don't give up hope just yet, but it may take a few months to get appropriate tests and an answer.

[PilotRoger]

Awesome! Happy for you mate!
cheers!

[flying.scotsman1]

Ditto what others have said. My initial ECG showed signs of being abnormal (can't actually remember what) meaning I had to wait for a cardiologist to look at the results, which was thankfully fine and the Class 1 was issued. My friend was in the same boat as yourself and had to visit the cardiologist for further testing, and turned out to be fine also, albeit a lighter wallet.

[TangoVictor73]

**UPDATE**

Hi All,

Had my Exercise ECG (£550 lighter may I add) and consultant cardiologist was happy with the results...no underlying issues and feels it should be straight from now on. However, I've been clearly told that the decision is purely that of the CAA and my appointed AME.

Seems like an eternity and dragging heels (only been 2 days since the test) but realistically how long does it take for the decision to come through?

TIA

[Huntaway]

Originally Posted by TangoVictor73

Hi All,

...how long does it take for the decision to come through?

TIA

Mine took about two weeks from final test to letter/certificate arriving in post, but if your test was conducted in-house by CAA AMEs it might be sooner