1st class medical with septal perforation
 

Hello there, I have a bit of an unorthodox/embarrasing question to ask. Currently I'm at a university studying aviation and soon I'll have to do my 1st class medical to start doing my licence. From what I've read airline pilots have to go through quite rigorous medical test and that's where I'm worried.

Basically, when I about 11-12yrs old I've been hit with a football to the face. If I remember correctly my nose wasn't broken, but few months after that I noticed I have a tiny hole in my nasal septum. There was some "good stuff" gathering round it so like any stupid child would do, I started picking it. I kept doing it for nearly 4 years and I developed a roughly 2cm x 0.7cm hole in nose. I haven't seen a doctor about it because it didn't really cause me any invonvenience. I don't snore, I never had any nosebleeds, no headaches, no problems with sinuses there's no pain whatsoever and I can breathe perfectly fine. Also no problems with ears and regulating pressure, I've been on a plane multiple times and never felt any discomfort.
It only got me worried now after reading some of the requirements for 1st class medical:

(2) A comprehensive ear, nose and throat examination shall be undertaken for the initial issue of a class 1 medical certificate and periodically thereafter when clinically indicated.

(a) Applicants shall not possess any abnormality of the function of the ears, nose, sinuses or throat, including oral cavity, teeth and larynx, or any active pathological condition, congenital or acquired, acute or chronic, or any sequelae of surgery or trauma which is likely to interfere with the safe exercise of the privileges of the applicable licence(s)

So does this basically mean that me being stupid back in the day and picking my nose for waay too long can stop me from becoming a pilot? Anyone knows any similar cases? Is it a definite no, or would it depend on the doctor? I'm just depressed right now because it my stupidity will stop me from becoming a pilot I'll simply have no idea what to do with myself.

Hi

In the UK this should be no problem. A small hole does not effect function. They may ask you how you got it as cocaine snorting is the normal cause :suspect:

However, if you are doing the medical in Poland I couldnt really advise, although there have been some recent posts suggesting they are sensible.

Good luck

Put a brass ring through it and carry on. Sorry, only joking - I don't see why it should be a problem.

Hey man don't be embarrassed!
Funny enough I was a bit of an outcast in High School and had my septum pierced but it unfortunately became infected after some digging around (this was almost 12 years ago) Now I'm 30 and planning on pursuing the ppl again but like you, after doing some research am not sure what to make of the "no abnormalities" since I too have a perforated septum.
I know it's been a few years and I hope you're doing well. Did you manage to get an answer on your situation?
Matt