Class 1 medical question
 

Hi everyone.

I'm going to get my class 1 soon. I've had a class 2 since 2013 for my ppl but now decided to continue on with cpl.

I'm aware the dame will complete a similar question/examination but in more detail. The parts I'm after for advice are: (I tried calling a few dames but didn't take calls: appointment only)

- Do I see the dame first (pay fee) and then get told to go do external tests then go back to dame (pay fee again).

- what tests are done for an initial class 1?

- how does a dame look upon a slightly overweight mid 30 year old (good blood pressure and regular exercise)

Itll be nice to hear from someone who would know the above or someone who recently got their class 1 and can tell me the best process/cost Ect

Many thanks in advance.

When I did the initial 18 months ago I had an appointment with the DAME. I did all the tests required with him during that initial appointment - excluding the ophthalmologist (spelling?).

The ophthalmologist fee was just under $200, and the appointment took about 4 minutes. He then sent the results to my DAME, who finished the application. (Edit, the DAME provided a referral to the ophthalmologist).

As far as being overweight, I'm not sure, but there is an ECG scan involved as well.

The DAMEs fee, for all questions they ask, ECG, hearing and anything else (maybe was a blood test also, can't remember) was also under $200 for me.

Plus whatever CASA charges...

Everything you need to know is on the CASA website in the DAME manual - although it can be hard to find.

Firstly, I have been in the practice of getting a class 1 every 2 years. This is no longer a good idea because CASA treats it as a medical lapsed for more than 3 months and it goes for internal review. If you get your class 1 at the time your class 2 expires, you might find yourself not flying for a month, because the DAME is not supposed to give you an extension to the class 2 if you are going for the class 1.

Initial issue of a cpl has a bunch of tests that the renewal doesn't. Top of this list is an eye test with a specific focus on glaucoma. So its the drops in the eye don't drive home deal.

You will need a hearing test, although some DAME's can do it.

You will need an ECG. Either resting or stress. The DAME may do resting ECG, but stress ECG's are always done somewhere with resuscitation capability. Typically at a cardiologists rooms at a hospital or day surgery. I believe there is a significant incidence of heart attacks during stress ECG. Don't worry - it will be a breeze for you. The CASA test is less severe than many.

You will almost certainly need a blood test. Results will typically be 2nd or 3rd day.

Its determined if you need some of the tests (ie stress ECG) depending on risk factor. There is a chart that looks at weight, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc to determine what you need. Stress ECG will need to be booked some time in advance.

Very few doctors will take unsolicited phonecalls. They have no time and will almost certainly have a patient sitting in their rooms if you get put through. But most will call back if you leave a message. I'd call and tell the receptionist you want to understand what tests you require and request a call back. But, do your homework about what you want to ask first. You will probably be one of 20 call backs. The doctor is very unlikely to want to chat.

I'm married to a doctor and we have a pathology lab as a tenant, so I tend to do everything before I go, but I don't care if I do extra. I think its a bit arbitrary which you do first. I would be very very surprised if you pay a fee twice. In fact, you may not need to return to the DAME. They all get results electronically now. He'll just match the results he is sent by email to your file.

Akro is right. Read the DAME manual and find the part about additional testing and just go do them so that you can hand all the results to your DAME at the exam.

A smart move is to do your blood test as early as possible - must be within 90 days - just in case there's a minor problem which you can fix then do another.

Radiodude, you are reading far too much into it and the well intentioned advice here is not that helpful. Make an appointment and front up. Get it done and go home. BTW if you think you are the only overweight pilot in the country you are mistaken. You shouldn't need to either visit or pay DAME twice either.

All the best with the CPL too.

I think a few of these even get passed ...

If you don't have 6/6 vision, is it the end of the world. Can you appeal at the AAT?

6/6 with both eyes, can be 6/9 in one eye I believe. Well thats what I have (unaided and after LASIK and IOL replacement) and I have had a Class 1 for 26 years.

Cheers
CB

Additionally you could be sent for a glucose test due to carrying a few extra pounds.
If you are concerned then you should have had the Class 1 medical when you first decided to go flying. The cost of building hours in prep of commencing CPL training is not insignificant so better to know from the get go.
Whatever outcome you will know a little more about your own health.

Had a problem with blood sugar several years ago when in for my class1- the litmus paper went above the line apparently.......probably shouldn't have had the feed of KFC in the car on the way.
Anyway, a couple of weeks with no sugar, no white bread, no potatoes, the subsequent blood test showed absolutely no problems with blood sugar.
The good news was that the Dr advising me said there was no need to curtail my moderate (adequate) alcohol consumption.:D

Hmmm...
KFC is the least of your problems! :E

What???!!!