Asthma?
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Singapore
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Asthma?
Being the fighter jock wannabe,I've always wanted to fly the viper with the RSAF(Republic of Singapore Air Force).I've went through the pilots interview as well as the selection process.Did well for both.However,after the medicals,they sent me for an MCT (Methacholyn Challenge Test) as I had a case of childhood asthma(mild).The childhood asthma thinggy wasn't serious as I've never had any asthma attacks nor have I used the inhalers before.However,the test results came out positive.Docs told me that I shouldn't put my hopes too high now....Now,I'm still waiting for the overall results from the medical board.Just out of curiousity,has anyone in this forum has the same outcome as me but still made it?The interesting part was that I did attend flying lessons before and I had no so called "allergies" while flying.Another question I'd like to ask is that is there anyway,if I didn't make it for fighters,is it possible for me to still fly in a chopper sqn or transport sqn?Sincerely hope you guys can shed some light on this matter cuz I've been worrying alot this days.Thanx alot guys.Realli appreciate it
Short Blunt Shock
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 631
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the RAF, the docs only need to hear the dreaded 'A' word and it's career endex. Half the time, if you go to them with a cough they'll accuse you of being asthmatic until you prove otherwise with a series of 'specialist' appointments.
Sorry to say it, old chap, but I wouldn't hold out much hope if yours are anything like ours.
16B
Sorry to say it, old chap, but I wouldn't hold out much hope if yours are anything like ours.
16B
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: UK
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There have been cases where candidates have appeared at OASC with asthma on their record during childhood. I know of at least 1 who was told to come back in 2 years, and provided they were asthma-free during that period, the previous history would be disregarded.
Apparently, childhood asthma can clear for good. It may also be down to a case of mis-diagnosis - so many 'wheezie'-type events are often put down as asthma when, in fact, it could be down to something else. 'Asthma' has become a catch-all phrase these days, I'm afraid; and in our litigenous society these days, a lot of 'six' covering goes on.
Apparently, childhood asthma can clear for good. It may also be down to a case of mis-diagnosis - so many 'wheezie'-type events are often put down as asthma when, in fact, it could be down to something else. 'Asthma' has become a catch-all phrase these days, I'm afraid; and in our litigenous society these days, a lot of 'six' covering goes on.
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: with the magical bunnies of the sandy jellygum tree forest - yay!!
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I pitched up at OASC many moons ago, and was fit all branches. Then later on a letter appeared querying the asthma inhaler on my doctor's notes from when I was a wee nipper - so possibility of no aircrew med cat. Despite a letter from my doc, saying it wasn't asthma merely a wheeze, they sent me to be tested by the experts.
After only 6 mins of beasting on an exercise bike, and a lot of blowing into a high-tech machine with graphs attached - I was given the all clear.
Have to say though, if the RSAF are not desperate for pilots, then they can have their pick of the crop and so can instantly cross off guys with a history of asthma as a way of candidate elimination.
However, if you really think you're not asthmatic then don't give up, get them to test you again! As the great Dereck Trotter once said, "He who dares Rodders, he who dares!"
CG
After only 6 mins of beasting on an exercise bike, and a lot of blowing into a high-tech machine with graphs attached - I was given the all clear.
Have to say though, if the RSAF are not desperate for pilots, then they can have their pick of the crop and so can instantly cross off guys with a history of asthma as a way of candidate elimination.
However, if you really think you're not asthmatic then don't give up, get them to test you again! As the great Dereck Trotter once said, "He who dares Rodders, he who dares!"
CG
Join Date: May 2004
Location: London
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cockney said...
"I pitched up at OASC many moons ago, and was fit all branches. Then later on a letter appeared querying the asthma inhaler on my doctor's notes from when I was a wee nipper - so possibility of no aircrew med cat. Despite a letter from my doc, saying it wasn't asthma merely a wheeze, they sent me to be tested by the experts."
Exactly my story except that I was accepted for RAF Pilot after the normal breathometer test. Other than the doc paying extra attention to my performance on this there were no questions asked. I had it on my record that I had inhalers in 86 and 89, my Doc said it's common knowledge amongst the GP community that doctor's rushed to diagnose any and every lung issue in the 80s as asthma, becuase as a collective they hadn't recognised it in enough people in the 70s. Can anyone with Medical knowledge second this?
"I pitched up at OASC many moons ago, and was fit all branches. Then later on a letter appeared querying the asthma inhaler on my doctor's notes from when I was a wee nipper - so possibility of no aircrew med cat. Despite a letter from my doc, saying it wasn't asthma merely a wheeze, they sent me to be tested by the experts."
Exactly my story except that I was accepted for RAF Pilot after the normal breathometer test. Other than the doc paying extra attention to my performance on this there were no questions asked. I had it on my record that I had inhalers in 86 and 89, my Doc said it's common knowledge amongst the GP community that doctor's rushed to diagnose any and every lung issue in the 80s as asthma, becuase as a collective they hadn't recognised it in enough people in the 70s. Can anyone with Medical knowledge second this?
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Howe O' the Mearns
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In the RAF, the docs only need to hear the dreaded 'A' word and it's career endex. Half the time, if you go to them with a cough they'll accuse you of being asthmatic until you prove otherwise with a series of 'specialist' appointments.
I had never considered that my brief spell of short-trousered asthma would re-appear in such a way, especially having made the mistake of running too quickly in cross-country and getting selected to run in the county championship
I had been concerned about my eyesight because I'd worn glasses as a wee lad to correct a slight squint. After a lot of time doing special exercises to strengthen the eye muscles (at a time when most adolescent males are said to be at great risk in harming their eyesight
) I was able to ditch the glasses.At Biggin Hill, I made it through the eyesight part of the medical with uncanny ease. My sense of relief was quickly shattered when my GP's notes earned me a sit down chat with the Chief Medical Officer and a "Permanently unfit for aircrew" grade
All the best with your application Vibes,
Bodach
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: northside
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I dont agree. I suffer from the big A and have been flying for over 20 years. Every year I go for a medical and try hard to breath into the bog roll and fail miserably but each year I pass my medical.
