Logic - or not?

[Girl Flyday]

I am currently on meds that mean I cannot renew my Class 2 - and hence my C of E has now expired. However the CAA suggest I go for an NPPL instead...

Now I might be missing something here, but surely they think I would be safe in charge of an aircraft, or they don't... And yes, an NPPL would fulfull my needs to fly pretty well - but I really don't understand their logic... Either the CAA think I'm a safety hazzard or they dont - in which case, why am I not banned altogether, or allowed my Class 2??? Surely once I'm airborne, I am as much of a 'potential danger' (not!) whaterver licence or rules I fly under???

GF

[JulianScarfe]

For the class 2 medical, it is not the CAA's opinion that is important, but rather ICAO's. Certain medical standards are required to be the holder of a PPL, and since those standards must be accepted by every other country, the standards are bound to be at least as high than those demanded by any individual country.

By contrast, what the CAA permits NPPLs to do in the UK is entirely up to the CAA.

[Girl Flyday]

Thanks for your reply Julian - most helpful!

But fwiw, the tablets I am taking are permissable in the US - and I was not intending to fly in Europe anyway - but at least I can now see the reason for the CAA's decision - I think!

WHO was it that said that honesty was the best policy, though?

GF

[Whirlybird]

Girl Flyday,

Nice to see you back on this forum....just wish it was for a better reason.

[Girl Flyday]

Hi Whirly - been away a while, I must admit! Would have loved to have gone flying with a few old mates occasionally though - but those who knew about my dilemma just offered sympathy - and then vanished!!!

Divorce, meds, and a passion for flying, are total non-starter, it seems!

GF

[Timothy]

but those who knew about my dilemma just offered sympathy

I insist that you withdraw that calumny!

I have constantly offered you rides in my aeroplane.

[Girl Flyday]

But I don't want to ride - I want to FLY!!!

Seriously though - you know as well as I do that I have to work during the week - but we can discuss calumny for as long as you wish, over dinner this week...

[Whirlygig]

GirlFlyday,

Have the CAA categorically grounded you? and have you tried pursuing it further with them?

They have access to specialists and if you ask for a second opinion, they might consider it. Try discussing with them what you would have to do in order to get your Class 2 back. i.e. regularly blood tests or whatever.

I believe that they are reluctant to say "NO" but cautious in saying "YES".

Cheers

Whirlygig

You could also try the medical forum?

[Girl Flyday]

Hi whirlygig...

Sadly so, as I had a letter from them today which was quite specific about this - although in actual fact I am definitely no more or less able to fly NOW than when I first got my PPL and / IMC / Night ratings - except for a bit of stress at home and work, which I foolishly admitted to my last medical renewal!

Strangely enough though, the only time I EVER feel totally happy, relaxed, focussed. and at one with the world is whilst flying - which makes it even more of a shame that I can't do it more often! Oh well.

But I guess to the powers that be it's a bit like the old problem with say, antidepressants - ie that most people get depressed at some time or another - and you are just as capable of deciding to turn kamikaze if NOT taking meds for depression - yet one could easily argue that whilst ON the meds, it is far less likely!

Sorry - not exactly my situation - but just as much of a non-starter where flying is concerned!

I'll shut up now!!!

GF x

[Flyin'Dutch']

Several options;

Fly with the NPPL until you're better and can get your JAR class 2 back or get an FAA Medical and PPL if you think that the medication is not a problem under FAA rules.

FD