Inital class 1 and history of migraines
 

I recently had my initial class 1 in the UK, having had migraine type headaches as a teenager, 1 every 1-2 years from the age of 13-18 they stopped. I didn't visit a doctor until got a mild one in 2013, experiencing non of the typical symptoms I experienced as a teen and I could carry on planned activities. The dr diagnosed me with a 'remote and isolated classical migraine'.

I have not been back since, nor did I take the prescribed medication, however the neurologist has said I now need an MRI scan and blood tests. I have asked my AV dr what the likelihood of being issued it without an OML is and he said that is the likely scenario should the tests come back normal and 'recurrent migraine' is diagnosed.

However my neurologists official diagnosis is 'remote migraine (currently symptom free)'. According to the flow chart I should be granted it unrestricted as my last episode (6 years ago) was not debilitating and I have identified a trigger of dehydration when I was in school. Annoyingly the consultant did not mention the trigger in his report. I don't know what to do but it's all looking very unlikely as you cant do the ATPL with an OML. Does anyone know if the CAA migraine flow chart time since last attack is based on time going forward or does it include time already elapsed since the last attack?

If anyone has any experience of this then advice/wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you :)

Hi there

Often an OML will be applicable to Class 1 operations only, i.e. paid commercial flying duties. If you have an OML it will often state, as mine currently does, that it does not apply to Class 2 flying which is unrestricted. I suppose this depends on the condition.

I'm not a medical expert, however I completed all of my training (MEP, CPL, MEIR) with a Class 2 medical, then only got my Class 1 (with OML) renewed shortly after my CPL LST. My FTO did not have a problem with this OML restriction, nor did the CAA examiners I flew with. Both advised that only a Class 2 was required for all training and LST flights anyway. The Class 1 is required for CPL application and licence issue.

Therefore for training purposes this should not be a problem. However, I would if I were you be certain that this is not going to be an issue when it comes to operational flying, or to know exactly how it will affect you. This is where others will be best placed to provide answers.

Hope this helps.