Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
 

I was recently diagnosed on Monday of this week with the blood disorder ITP and have spent the whole of this week in hospital. I currently hold a CAA Class 1 Medical and was just interested in what would be the potential knock on effects of being diagnosed with this disorder in regards to my Class 1. It is believed that it was just caused by a brief spell of Tonsillitis, but it could be a long term issue with my immune system if my platelet count doesnt recover. Will I have to report my admittance to hospital to the CAA? Is there anybody out there who has shared the same problem?

Thanks for any help,
AJ

The relevant part of the ANO 2005 would appear to be:

(4) A person shall not be entitled to act as a member of the flight crew of an aircraft registered in the United Kingdom if he knows or suspects that his physical or mental condition renders him temporarily or permanently unfit to perform such functions or to act in such capacity.

(5) Every holder of a medical certificate issued under this article who—

(a) suffers any personal injury involving incapacity to undertake his functions as a member of the flight crew;

(b) suffers any illness involving incapacity to undertake those functions throughout a period of 21 days or more; or

(c) in the case of a woman, has reason to believe that she is pregnant;

shall inform the CAA in writing of such injury, illness or pregnancy, as soon as possible in the case of injury or pregnancy, and as soon as the period of 21 days has expired in the case of illness.

(6) The medical certificate shall be deemed to be suspended upon the occurrence of such injury or the expiry of such period of illness or the confirmation of the pregnancy; and—

(a) in the case of injury or illness the suspension shall cease upon the holder being medically examined under arrangements made by the CAA and pronounced fit to resume his functions as a member of the flight crew or upon the CAA exempting, subject to such conditions as it thinks fit, the holder from the requirement of a medical examination; and

(b) in the case of pregnancy, the suspension may be lifted by the CAA for such period and subject to such conditions as it thinks fit and shall cease upon the holder being medically examined under arrangements made by the CAA after the pregnancy has ended and pronounced fit to resume her functions as a member of the flight crew.

I just thought for the sake of reference for anyone else unfortunate enough to be diagnosed with this blood disorder, what the consequences are in regards to flying.

The CAA require you to maintain a stable blood platelet level of 75+ for a period of 6 months without being on steroids so in my case I have lost my medical for the moment but as long as the condition is acute there should be no issue.

If theres anyone out there who needs help feel free to get in touch :ok:

bit more 'ere idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura - General Practice Notebook