Medical Suspended Indefinitely - CPL Holder
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I'm nursing a drug habit, a heart condition, childhood athsma, migranes, alcoholism, erectile dysfunction, a funny tingling sensation in one toe and a bit of a limp.
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Plenty of gratitude towards all the advice, feedback and support, really appreciated and valued.
Given the nature of the migraines, it would have been irresponsible and dangerous towards myself and others, to have continued flying whilst facing the risk of suffering an onset, mid-flight. As few and far between, central and peripheral vision distortion, disorientation and a temporary inability to process or comprehend words all make for a terrifying prospect. A CAT scan has me cleared on any physical concerns, it is almost certainly a result of lifestyle, hereditary and external factors.
Until then, I am positively trying to take a step in a relevant step, within the industry. A couple of suggestions, but are there any more specific options? Am certainly open to further study, depending on the time frame, and certainly happy to spend time overseas.
Again, thanks to all for support and feedback. Cheers.
Given the nature of the migraines, it would have been irresponsible and dangerous towards myself and others, to have continued flying whilst facing the risk of suffering an onset, mid-flight. As few and far between, central and peripheral vision distortion, disorientation and a temporary inability to process or comprehend words all make for a terrifying prospect. A CAT scan has me cleared on any physical concerns, it is almost certainly a result of lifestyle, hereditary and external factors.
Until then, I am positively trying to take a step in a relevant step, within the industry. A couple of suggestions, but are there any more specific options? Am certainly open to further study, depending on the time frame, and certainly happy to spend time overseas.
Again, thanks to all for support and feedback. Cheers.
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In 2009 I had a contretemps with Avmed over a letter from my DAME that they had mis filed and they got quite difficult producing a series of orders for the disclosure of my complete medical history which was supplied.
Anyone who believes there is any form of suppressing medical history by using multiple doctors needs to be very aware of the consequences which are severe.
In my case the complete history solved the issue and the matter was put to rest, but I can assure you all it was not a pleasant experience and I certainly don't want to do it again.
As an aside my DAME is also my G.P. which is on the whole a much smarter way to operate than multiple practicioners where mis understandings can raise unwarranted intrusion into your life.
Anyone who believes there is any form of suppressing medical history by using multiple doctors needs to be very aware of the consequences which are severe.
In my case the complete history solved the issue and the matter was put to rest, but I can assure you all it was not a pleasant experience and I certainly don't want to do it again.
As an aside my DAME is also my G.P. which is on the whole a much smarter way to operate than multiple practicioners where mis understandings can raise unwarranted intrusion into your life.
Last edited by T28D; 10th Apr 2013 at 01:58.
flvckoflyer, you've got a good attitude concerning this difficult situation. I hope it all works out well for you.
I understand your desire to continue in aviation. But, in your mid twenties, this event represents a great opportunity to change career, find some new interests and work on your health. You may well find it easier to get ahead financially in another occupation, probably more job security and less stress outside aviation too, which will help in restoring your health.
My suggestion is not to fight CASA. Be grateful for the flying you've done, close your log book and walk away. This will save you an awful lot of angst.
Eventually, when your health is restored, you can take up flying again.
Also, in your mid twenties, you are still young enough to get a work visa overseas. Maybe a working holiday while you consider your options?
All the best
I understand your desire to continue in aviation. But, in your mid twenties, this event represents a great opportunity to change career, find some new interests and work on your health. You may well find it easier to get ahead financially in another occupation, probably more job security and less stress outside aviation too, which will help in restoring your health.
My suggestion is not to fight CASA. Be grateful for the flying you've done, close your log book and walk away. This will save you an awful lot of angst.
Eventually, when your health is restored, you can take up flying again.
Also, in your mid twenties, you are still young enough to get a work visa overseas. Maybe a working holiday while you consider your options?
All the best
Last edited by pithblot; 10th Apr 2013 at 02:13.
The regs are pretty clear under part 67...and most of us know when we shouldn't be flying, (even without the aid of a medical degree), and if it's serious, then i agree, your class 1 is the least of your problems, and you need to get it sorted and if it grounds you for more than 7 days, you've no choice anyway.
My point is, I've known more than a few well meaning, generally newly qualified pilots who've thought they were doing the right thing by making Casa aware of a minor issue before consulting their DAME, only to find themselves grounded whilst 'further [generally lengthy] assessment' is carried out, possibly losing them their job, and then, forever after, causing them untold hassles with renewals.
I guess the key is to get a good practical DAME and let them make the call, then if you do end up getting grounded, at least it's for a good reason, not just because someone's covering their arse.
My point is, I've known more than a few well meaning, generally newly qualified pilots who've thought they were doing the right thing by making Casa aware of a minor issue before consulting their DAME, only to find themselves grounded whilst 'further [generally lengthy] assessment' is carried out, possibly losing them their job, and then, forever after, causing them untold hassles with renewals.
I guess the key is to get a good practical DAME and let them make the call, then if you do end up getting grounded, at least it's for a good reason, not just because someone's covering their arse.
Last edited by Unusual-Attitude; 10th Apr 2013 at 02:50.
Creamy … I'm pretty sure there's no law against anyone seeing whom so ever they want as far as general medical practitioners go.
But that wasn’t my point.
In your first post you said:
I've always used two Dr's, one for genuine ailments, the other for class 1's.
And just like wives and girl friends, never let them meet!
That little stamped piece of expensive paper is easy to loose, and nigh on impossible to get back once lost.
And just like wives and girl friends, never let them meet!
That little stamped piece of expensive paper is easy to loose, and nigh on impossible to get back once lost.
A not so bright friend slipped in the bath and knocked himself out for literally just a few minutes, he went to his Doc, (who was also his avmed examiner). Doc wrote out report mentioning head injury involving loss of consciousness and concussion. Medical 'temporarily' pulled. I think that was 2 yrs ago, and casa are still waiting to see 'proof' that he'll never have an epileptic episode?!?
Of course, that can’t be correct, if your friend fills out his renewal applications truthfully. He would have had to declare the event in which he was knocked unconscious (just as you have to declare all of the ‘genuine ailments’ for which you’ve consulted any Doctor), in the application for renewal of the Certificate. The AVMED examiner would have made the same decision. Maybe a difference in timing, but same end result.
Fortunately your not so bright friend was apparently still bright enough to consult directly with the person with expertise in AVMED.
Perhaps I misunderstood your point?
Fortunately your not so bright friend was apparently still bright enough to consult directly with the person with expertise in AVMED
It just seems to me that in this litigous environment we now find ourselves, the 'punishment' hardly fits the 'crime', and it all smacks of arse covering rather than actual or probable outcomes.
He's had many physicians attest to him being no more likely after this amount of time to have any problems in the future...but...still he has to wait, and will probably continue to wait.
That’s a different point.
If the AVMED standards are unnecessarily high or the certifiers unnecessarily risk-averse, the answer is to change the standards or the certifiers. If that’s not practicable, your friend will unfortunately have to wait.
If the AVMED standards are unnecessarily high or the certifiers unnecessarily risk-averse, the answer is to change the standards or the certifiers. If that’s not practicable, your friend will unfortunately have to wait.
I don't think it's a different point at all.
If a relatively minor injury/ailment can spell the end of your career, (and i'm not specifically refering to the case I mentioned), either in the short or long term, people will be less likely to want to bring it to the attention of the 'powers that be', which im certainly not advocating, but which, having spoken to many over the years, and echo'd by some on this thread, is the reality.
I seem to remember they once had risk probability figures which were the basis upon which decisions about various injuries/illnesses were made. To say they erred on the side of extreme caution (bordering the ridiculous) would be an understatement. The question you have to ask is...is it based on protecting the safety of the flying public, or to cover their arse?
I suspect the answer to that depends upon your own past experiences and/or your level of cynicism, given how other matters of 'safety' are routinely handled.
If a relatively minor injury/ailment can spell the end of your career, (and i'm not specifically refering to the case I mentioned), either in the short or long term, people will be less likely to want to bring it to the attention of the 'powers that be', which im certainly not advocating, but which, having spoken to many over the years, and echo'd by some on this thread, is the reality.
I seem to remember they once had risk probability figures which were the basis upon which decisions about various injuries/illnesses were made. To say they erred on the side of extreme caution (bordering the ridiculous) would be an understatement. The question you have to ask is...is it based on protecting the safety of the flying public, or to cover their arse?
I suspect the answer to that depends upon your own past experiences and/or your level of cynicism, given how other matters of 'safety' are routinely handled.
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Mate, it's not the end of the world. I recently had a similar occurrence - migraine, loss of central vision etc. I told CASA about it (I had no intention of flying without being confident it would never happen in flight) and was grounded for 6 months while I became a lab rat for anyone and everyone who ever went to medical school. A bit of medication experimentation and observation followed, but end result - I was cleared to fly again with a multi crew restriction on my license and must provide yearly neurologist reports.
I had a REALLY good DAME on my side and I really have to admit that once CASA actually looked at my case it didn't take long for them to deal with it. I can't complain about the way they treated me all things considered (of course I did squeal like a stuffed pig about it at the time!).
In fact I'd have to say they acted really professionally.
PM me if you want any advice as to the path I followed etc.
I had a REALLY good DAME on my side and I really have to admit that once CASA actually looked at my case it didn't take long for them to deal with it. I can't complain about the way they treated me all things considered (of course I did squeal like a stuffed pig about it at the time!).
In fact I'd have to say they acted really professionally.
PM me if you want any advice as to the path I followed etc.
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I realise that this forum is often used by some as a "pissing competition" but if those whom advocate continuing to fly whilst knowing, or believing, they may suffer an incapacitating event are even vaguely serious it is an absolutely unacceptable position to take.
It does not matter whether you are multi-crew or single pilot, to not report or admit to a medical condition which could mean withdrawl of your licence priveleges is a dereliction of duty. Would those who disagree want their family members being flown around by a pilot who may suffer incapacitation and cause the loss of an aircraft and occupants? I think not. Flvckoflyer is to be commended for his honesty and his responsible attitude toward what most believe to be an honourable occupation.
It does not matter whether you are multi-crew or single pilot, to not report or admit to a medical condition which could mean withdrawl of your licence priveleges is a dereliction of duty. Would those who disagree want their family members being flown around by a pilot who may suffer incapacitation and cause the loss of an aircraft and occupants? I think not. Flvckoflyer is to be commended for his honesty and his responsible attitude toward what most believe to be an honourable occupation.
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This is interesting and relevant to myself, I'm PPL studying my CPL stuff and early 20s
I have done a class 1 medical and passed (when I started training, and I was much less fit than I am now 2 years on)
I suffered migraines/cluster headaches as a child, and growing up, but less often. I still get bad headaches and sometimes migraines but they are relatively rare
These days I get very advanced and fair warning that one will happen, that is, I recognise symptoms before the pain and subsequent incapacitation kick in and rarely actually experience them as I get in early (I'll take pain killers or have a nap or a coffee or something which usually stops them developing). They aren't as strong these days either so pain killers that are compatible with flying (no analgesics) work fine for me.
My regular GP has treated me since I was little and said they should be of no concern these days. I did mention headaches to my DAME when I did my medical (perhaps stupidly... I did not know CASA was so anal about migraines and the like back then, I was just curious) and he was happy they weren't a problem if they didn't have the ability to incapacitate.
Talk to your GP or a DAME about it. Maybe identify triggers for them and try and eliminate them, change your diet, drink lots of water, get some exercise in and most importantly (IME): Sleep well! It helps a lot
*Edit reading the second page of the thread... it may be hereditary, mine were. If you can get on top of them I don't see why you couldn't do your medical again and maybe get a reference from your GP clearing you? Good luck whatever you do, you defintiely have the right attitude.
I have done a class 1 medical and passed (when I started training, and I was much less fit than I am now 2 years on)
I suffered migraines/cluster headaches as a child, and growing up, but less often. I still get bad headaches and sometimes migraines but they are relatively rare
These days I get very advanced and fair warning that one will happen, that is, I recognise symptoms before the pain and subsequent incapacitation kick in and rarely actually experience them as I get in early (I'll take pain killers or have a nap or a coffee or something which usually stops them developing). They aren't as strong these days either so pain killers that are compatible with flying (no analgesics) work fine for me.
My regular GP has treated me since I was little and said they should be of no concern these days. I did mention headaches to my DAME when I did my medical (perhaps stupidly... I did not know CASA was so anal about migraines and the like back then, I was just curious) and he was happy they weren't a problem if they didn't have the ability to incapacitate.
Talk to your GP or a DAME about it. Maybe identify triggers for them and try and eliminate them, change your diet, drink lots of water, get some exercise in and most importantly (IME): Sleep well! It helps a lot
*Edit reading the second page of the thread... it may be hereditary, mine were. If you can get on top of them I don't see why you couldn't do your medical again and maybe get a reference from your GP clearing you? Good luck whatever you do, you defintiely have the right attitude.
Last edited by kabukiman; 14th Apr 2013 at 13:34.
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As the months elapse, I am still out in the cold so to speak, with next to no opportunities or prospects presenting.
It is becoming demoralizing being confined to hospitality type work, and whilst I have submitted an application to Jet* as an Assistant Flight Dispatcher in Melbourne, I have minimal optimism due to my lack of experience.
Any insight, advice or direction would be warmly welcomed.
Thanks in advance.
It is becoming demoralizing being confined to hospitality type work, and whilst I have submitted an application to Jet* as an Assistant Flight Dispatcher in Melbourne, I have minimal optimism due to my lack of experience.
Any insight, advice or direction would be warmly welcomed.
Thanks in advance.
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Two suggestions:
1) Have you thought about training as an ATC?
2) I had problems over a couple of months getting my medical reissued by CASA after LASIK surgery.
The way I got in the end was making a few phone calls to the medical section of CASA. Eventually I got past the first level of junior staff who have no idea and onto a supervisor who sorted out my medical on the spot. The woman supervisor in the medical section of CASA knew her stuff, and after months of waiting and a fifteen minute phone call my new medical was in the mail.
Always be polite and patient with CASA, but try to get past the initial gatekeepers to the more senior people behind them who have more experience and discretion.
Find excuses to speak with different people at the medical section of CASA. Be friendly and chat with them. Send emails outlining your history and what you want.
Ask lots of questions (politely), as this might be a good way to get past the juniors and make an excuse for more contact. With a bit of luck these questions might be answered with a path to getting your medical back.
1) Have you thought about training as an ATC?
2) I had problems over a couple of months getting my medical reissued by CASA after LASIK surgery.
The way I got in the end was making a few phone calls to the medical section of CASA. Eventually I got past the first level of junior staff who have no idea and onto a supervisor who sorted out my medical on the spot. The woman supervisor in the medical section of CASA knew her stuff, and after months of waiting and a fifteen minute phone call my new medical was in the mail.
Always be polite and patient with CASA, but try to get past the initial gatekeepers to the more senior people behind them who have more experience and discretion.
Find excuses to speak with different people at the medical section of CASA. Be friendly and chat with them. Send emails outlining your history and what you want.
Ask lots of questions (politely), as this might be a good way to get past the juniors and make an excuse for more contact. With a bit of luck these questions might be answered with a path to getting your medical back.
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Peterc005 - Have considered training for ATC mate, but all things considered, would much prefer being involved in aircraft operations, load control, technical type roles.
Old Akro - Appreciate the suggestion and will do.
Thanks guys.
Old Akro - Appreciate the suggestion and will do.
Thanks guys.
