Initial EASA Class 1 with a nut allergy?
 

Does anyone here hold an EASA Class 1 medical whilst suffering from an allergy with risk of anaphylaxis (EpiPen Adrenaline Autoinjector holder)

I currently hold a UK CAA Class one (Albeit with an OML), and I'm currently in the process of applying for an initial EASA Class 1 medical (Thanks Brexit) with Denmark Trafikstyrelsen, but they have now requested my Allergist to provide them with "An anaphylactic risk, as a percentage per year, if exposed to the allergen"?

Myself and my allergist are a little perplexed on how to calculate this risk, but I suspect it has something to do with the 1% rule in aviation medicine. Wikipedia

-History:
.I had my first and only reaction in childhood, and haven't had another since
.Been in close proximity to allergen in recent times with no issues at all
.Have not ingested allergen since, to my knowledge

Anyone had a similar experience?
Thanks!

Hi DreamchaserRoss,

This isn’t in relation to your question, but I hope you’re provided with an answer.

I too have a nut allergy, and was prescribed adrenaline injectors as a child/teenager. I have had blood tests in the past that show I do have allergies to particular nuts. Because of this, I was told I wouldn’t be able to obtain a Class 1 and therefore never went for an initial medical.

I now intend to do one in the coming weeks, but I thought I’d ask how difficult it was to obtain your CAA medical (because of our similar situations), and if they issue initial medicals with OML’s? (I have seen this has changed numerous times in the past?).

Thank you for any info you can provide and I hope your situation with EASA is resolved.

Hi there,

Generally speaking, I believe the UK CAA deal with medical issues on a case by case basis. That being said, there is an Allergy Flowchart that they use to deal with Medical applications (see my other posts for a copy).

Based on that flowchart, you would be able to obtain a class one medical with an OML (initial medical), but that would first require assessment by an immunologist and a report for the CAA.

Could I ask why you are only going for a UK class 1 and not a dual medical?

Best of luck!

Thank you for the reply.

I thought I would just tackle the CAA initial medical first and see where that takes me. Due to my allergies, I feel like I would be fortunate to get an Initial Class 1, even with an OML restriction.

If you don't mind me asking, what stage are you into your training or career? Has having an OML restriction hindered your training/job prospects at all? I see the majority of integrated schools for example state you require an 'unrestricted Class medical', so was not sure how much of an issue that may cause in the future.

Thanks.

I've PM'd you!

I haven't had to go through this exact process with EASA, but it sounds like they just want a clearer picture of the risk based on your history. If your allergist is unsure about how to calculate the percentage, they could look at how long you've been symptom-free and if you've had any recent reactions or close calls. When I went through something similar, my doctor used a risk factor based on how well I'd been managing the allergy and how likely a reaction was based on my past history. I'd suggest asking your allergist if they can pull data from your medical history to estimate the risk more precisely.

Hey! Im from EU and hoping to go for an initial class 1 medical. The internet seems divided on if i can get it / if a class 1 will be issued with an oml / if a career is worth it with an oml. dss3000 did you have any issues with your class 1? I have an epi pen perscribed but my only ever reaction was over 25 years ago when i was a young infant

Just to update,

I was able to obtain my initial EASA class 1 unrestricted medical after finding a new consultant allergist who provided the aviation authority with the necessary medical report for their consideration and I am now completing my ATPLs!

Thank you to those who came on here to provide advice, and best of luck to anyone else chasing the dream!

Hi Mate,

I’ve PM’d you 👍🏻

Just a medical view for what it is worth. The UK CAA flowchart is sensible. It states if you have a historical allergy and have since been exposed but had no reaction there is no restriction. This is most likely a misdiagnosis or desensitisation as an allergy is a learned abnormal response of the immune system and once programmed rarely goes away other than at puberty.

The allergy report they require is simply the trigger or allergen and the severity of the response

If an epipen has been prescribed you are limited to an OML

However, asking the consultant to provide a report "An anaphylactic risk, as a percentage per year, if exposed to the allergen"? is medical mumbo jumbo!!! If an individual has a true current allergy there will be 100% risk of a response on exposure. The issue is whether the individual can avoid exposure whilst flying.

Similar situation
 

Hey guys,

I have got a UK CAA class 1 medical but with an OML due to a prawn allergy. Unfortunately I do eat prawns on a regular basis and it doesn’t affect me.

i have recently applied for a initial EASA class 1. Wondering if the fact I have a UK class 1 will help my case?

Similar Situation
 

Hey DreamchaserRoss , if you could please pm me that would be great. I’m in the same situation as you were and would appreciate some advice.
new here so I can’t personally pm u til I have 3 posts (which I don’t)