Gutted - Failed class 1 Ocular Muscle Balance
 

I just thought today would be a tick in the box but no, I failed my initial class 1 due to I Ocular Muscle Balance. Apparently on my right eye when I look up and right I have slight double vision. The AME said that I would most probably have been born with it and that unfortunately the JAA class it as a fail. He added that I would probably be okay to fly (his opinion not the JAA's). I do not think it has sunk in yet, I had marked this year as the one to start turning things around and finally be in a position to do what I have always wanted. It's like the rug has been pulled from under me.
Anyway, I just wanted to know if anyone else had been in this position? I did not get my medical denial form today, so I do not have the details on paper, but they are going to send it to me through the post.

Reading your post I can feel how disappointed you are. I'm sure failing a medical strikes fear into the hearts of pilots and those wanting to break into the profession, it's one thing you can't negotiate.

Can you gain a class 2 medical? You'll be able to fly.*

Hope you find something good comes of all this.

*edit: just realised you have a PPL.

Cheers, yes I forgot to mention, he did issue a class 2 so I can still fly. Which I know is still fantastic.

I'm gutted for you.

Makes me think actually, I'm planning my training and have been saving for some time (just sold my other car tonight so another step closer) and 'm just taking it for granted that I'll pass my Medical with flying colours *excuse the pun*.

If somebody told me tomorrow I had no hope I'd be devastated! I'm sure I'd make the best of what I have and I'd just dig deeper into IT and go into contracting but .... it's not that same.

Can you get laser treatment? or is it defiantly the end of the road for you?

Sorry to hear the news.

Alphamale - thanks for the message. I'm in IT as well at the moment and I know it is not for me, it was going to be a stepping stone.
Re laser surgery - I do not think that is the corrective messure for what I have. It is to do with the muscle that contols the eye when angled a certain way (excuse the descriptive medical terms!) and it causes double vision at one point on one eye, basically when I look top right I get a slight double vision. It sounds worse than it is actually. I have not had any problems at all, flying, driving or anything.

Failing the medical is a real hammer blow. I failed the RAF med for aircrew (eyesight not 20/20) and it felt like my whole world had fallen apart. Its so frustrating because you can't do anything about it, its out of your control.

It takes a while but you do get over it and you can still fly so try and focus on the positives in time.

Had similar thing happen to me 5 years ago, given no options by AME, so I went to my local Optometrist with the results, who recommended another person at the local Hospital etc. They said they could train the eye with exercises, and be able to sustain the minimums, sounds weird, but it worked. Went back once I could exceed the requirements after about 4 months. Job done. AME was surprised and signed the paperwork.
Also you could probably look at going FAA, as the class one is by far less stringent.:ok:

Thanks Fox One.

RJCAP - Cheers. I'll try that, thanks. So what options to I have with the FAA then, I mean do I have to do all my training there? I was hoping to do Cats and the rest at PATS here in the UK. I thought that you needed a 'green card' or something to work in the US?

Pretty lame reason for them to fail your medical but then again they are the medical professionals.

Best of luck with your flying, don't let it affect you too much you still have your PPL which is better than nothing.

I really feel for you mate, I'm sure we can all empathise with this.

If you just want to fly commercially, maybe you could pass the less stringent FAA medical, though I don't know what their opinion on your particular problem is. You could then fly in the US.

I know that's a long shot as you can't just click your fingers and uproot, but I just thought I'd throw that out there.

Preduk/BerksFlyer - thanks. Strange, Glasgow is where I went to college and Berkshire is where I live now! I'd like to find out more about the FAA route but don't you need a green card etc What about ICAO?

Start off by asking your local Optometrist for options first. Then if that is not good, then get your FAA. I have a few friends in the UK buzzing around in N registered planes, gaining experience, and a couple of thousand hours, to later go and get there JAA class1 medical and find out that it is far less stringent compared to when they first did it 10 years ago. Especially on the eyes.

You can also consider Canada. No need for a green card, and the medical is said to be much easier to pass than the JAA one. ;)

A question : are there differences between JAA states re the medical ? Maybe in Spain or elsewhere you could go through it anyway ? :confused:

Hey,

I had a problem with my medical in Mexico 10 years ago because of glasses, I went to the US did my FAA medical and passed with out any problems. Don`t give up!

One question, do you see double with one eye? or with both eyes looking up and to the right?

Cheers,
Arturo

Looks like there is still hope for you. :ok:

Thanks all. Arturo Lan, it seems to be with both eyes looking up and right but only at a certain point ie I look up and keep going right, all is okay then I see double, then it's okay.
I've had a look on the Canadian Aviation Authorities web site and I need to get an expert opinion. Looks like a trip to Canada is in order.....always fancied myself in a float plane!

Was this at initial at Gatwick? I thought they were a little more realistic now with the eyesight? since the new legislation came in?

expedite08 yes in relation to visual standards which are controllable through prescribed lenses. A muscular related condition is somewhat different, although, am I not correct in thinking that most related eye muscular conditions can be greatly improved through specific eye exercises..? I would arrange a vist to a optometrist to discuss your possibilities...

Best of luck - things will work out if you exhaust all avenues!

If you really want to fly, don't give up too easily even if it means looking at FAA. My eyesight was borderline at initial and I only got in due being 29 and not 19 (ie it wouldn't get alot worse). Once you're in, AME's will go to great lengths to keep you flying. Get as much advice as you can.

Good Luck