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To Dr. Roberts
I am almost ready to have my second third class medical exam. For my
student medical (first one, three years ago), since I take Zestoretic
for HTN, I had to have the three blood pressures, the required blood
test, and an EKG. I am seeing a new AME and when I talked to him he
said I only have to have the blood pressure readings and the required
blood work. In other words, since I already had an EKG (which was
normal and have no complaints or other problems), another one is not
required this time. Is this true?? I have not seen this question
asked before, and wouldn't mind NOT paying for another one. Thank
you. Joel
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No, the FAA requires an EKG only on the first visit, unless
there is some other cardiac condition in your history.
Is your pilot medical certificate in jeopardy?
See my website at www.flightsurgeon.com
Dr.Roberts
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I'm a 45 year old male being treated successfully for high blood pressure with
10mg accupril. Haven't flown in awhile, but am getting ready to renew Medical
Certificate Third Class. What will my medical examiner look for/want to know? J
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A letter from your doctor stating that you have hypertension under control
with Acupril. Mention the most recent three blood pressure readings and
their dates. Include a copy of your EKG if it the first time reporting this.
Dr. Roberts
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I have history of high blood pressure. What are the exact FAA requirements for blood
pressure / 1st, 2nd and 3 class certificates? Mike
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The upper limits are 155/95.
Dr.Roberts
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Hello, I am a 41 year old retired Naval Avionics Technician and In-flight
Technician. I was forced to quit flying for the Navy in early '93. I was
diagnosed with chronic deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after having a DVT in each leg
about 3 months apart. My therapy consists of 8 mg of Coumadin daily and a PT/INR
test monthly. Aside from a couple of minor excursions, I have maintained an INR
within the target range of 2.0 to 3.0 with no other medical problems. I've begun
working on obtaining a private pilots license and am considering applying for an
FAA position as an Airborne Avionics Technician but will require a class III
medical. Will I qualify for the Class III Medical? Roy E
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I suggest you contact the AOPA and see how many pilots with DVT are
certified. There is no harm in requesting a
special issuance, now that you are stabilized.
Dr. Roberts
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I am 1 41 year old retired USAF pilot now in excellent physical condition. I
suffered a bout of muscle pain/fatigue starting about 9 months ago. Tested for
Lyme, Dermatomyositis, etc. -- all inconclusive. Treated for 3 months with
prednsione, then given Doxycycline (for Lyme) with rapid improvement. No meds
for about 4 months now. Now in excellent condition. I hold a Class II now and want
to upgrade to class I. Do you see any problems? Bruce
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No, I dont see any problem at all.
Dr. Roberts, SkyDoc
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Dear Sir: I have been diagnosed with ALL (leukemia) and I am currently undergoing a bone marrow
transplant at the City of Hope National Medical Center. I have achieved full remission
and all porgnostic indicators lokk toward a full remission recovery. I have my privot pilots
liceance and would like to know what are my chances of renewing my third class medical certificate
at the end of my treatment. Don
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A pilot with a history of acute lymphocytic leukemia in remission can get a third class medical,
but it will require you requesting a special issuance. Submit ALL your medical records to the FAA
along with a report from your doctors.
SkyDoc
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I am a 42 year old male diagnosed with essential hypertension. I have been on zestoretic/prinzide
(dosage 12.5/20, depending on whichever brand the insurance carrier prefers to pay for!) for 14
years, with resultant bp around 125/82. Otherwise, excellent health. What can be expected
to be required for a class 2 these days? Thanks, Bob
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Should be no problem. You will need to give your AME a letter from your
doctor stating that you have hypertension, the name and dose of medicine you are taking,
three most recent blood pressures, and a copy of your EKG.
Dr. Roberts
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I have taken B/P medications for a number of years and have received medicals
after EKG, blood tests, B/P readings. etc. Thanks to exercise and loss of 30 lbs
since my last medical, my B/P is now "high normal (135/85) and I am no longer on
any medications. Question: When I apply for my next medical renewal do I simply
list on the application that I am no longer on meds and that I am "cured" of
hypertension? Or do I need a letter from my attending physician? Thomas
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Yes. On the FAA form state that your previous high blood pressure is controlled with diet and
exercise. It would be helpful to get a letter from your doctor stating the same thing.
SkyDoc
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I was diagnosed with high blood pressure, (160/110), and my doctor has prescribed
Atenlol, EKG showed inverted t-wave, I have no other symptoms, so my doctor did not recommend a
stress test. I have not had the results of the blood work returned, but I am overweight
(5'11", 270lbs). My question is, how will this affect my current 3rd class, and my ability to get a
2nd class in the future, If my blood pressure comes down with weight loss, will I have to
remain on the Atenlol. Will I need a special issuance from now on? Bob
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Atenolol is FAA approved, but remember that FAR 67.53 states that you are grounded until the FAA
approves you. There is a good chance that with diet and exercise, that you can get off the medication.
But, dont go off your medication until your MD tells you to.
Dr. Roberts
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I have type II diabetes controlled with Diabeta (2.5 mg AM and 1.25 mg PM). What steps do
I have to go through to get a third class medical back. Can my family doctor (an internist)
do all the required tests, or do I need specialists? Thanks.
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Yes your internist can handle it. You need to submit a summary letter from your Internist,
along with a Hgb1AC test and FBS test. Make sure that the letter mentions the medication
and dose you are taking, and that you are free of Cardiac, Renal, and Neurological
complications.
SkyDoc
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Sir: I have adult onset Type II diabtes. I take medicine for it and have it under good
control. Does this automatically rule out a medical certificate?
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No, but you will have to apply for a special issuance, submit a letter
from your doc, along with a fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin 1AC test.
If your diabetes is under good control, they should issue to you.
SkyDoc
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I would like to obtain a 3 class medical certificate but I have a history of multiple
myeloma, 2.5 years from diagnosis. I had a stem cell transplant in 7/96 and just now
starting to come out of remission. I am on interferon, 5 m units 3 days a week and decadron
for 40mg/4 days every 4 weeks. Does the medication or my condition preclude from obatining
a third class medical certificate. I do not have any cardiac, neurological, hypertension or
renal problems and have really no bone problems at this time.
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Yes, Interferon will preclude you from issuance.
SkyDoc
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With regard to diabetes controlled by oral medication and diet, what does
"controlled" mean. My level runs about 160 - 180. Can I pass a medical on that
for a pilot's license?
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That is a good question. The accepted norm is 140 or less. The FAA likes to see
a blood test called 1AC, which shows an approximate average of the blood sugar levels. They
allow 20% more than the high normal range for the lab that did the test. Many labs have
different normals, depending on technique.
SkyDoc
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I hold a Class III medical certificate and am a runner. For several years now my
blood pressure has measured 150/90. A recent EKG and Echocardiogram shows
everything is in excellent condition. A full blood work up also shows no
abnormalities. My doctor has prescribed 25mg/day Maxzide (Triamterene and
Hydrochlorothiazide) to help get my blood pressure down. My question is: would it
be better to live with mild hypertension rather than have to report using
Maxzide? What should be done to insure my next session with my AME goes well?
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You are far better off having the hypertension treated. You will need to submit
to your AME a letter from your doctor indicating the fact that you are taking
Maxide daily, a copy of your EKG, documentation of your last three blood
pressures, and serum electrolytes.
SkyDoc
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I was diagnosed as having hemochromatosis approximately a year ago. I have undergone
frequent phlebotomies and my blood now tests OK (ferritin level is now in a normal range).
Is this condition one which will present a problem on my next 3rd class physical? Thanks
for your advice.
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You will have to apply for a special issuance thru the FAA. Submit all of your medical
records along with a summary letter from your treating physician.
Doc
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Dear Dr. Roberts My daughter is a student pilot trying to renew her certification
(first or second class). She has Wegener's granulomatosis currently in remission
(was treated and is being followed). All her labs are now WNL, though she has
hypertension as a result of some kidney damage. The BP is controlled with FAA
approved meds. The doctor she went to doesn't seem to want to take any
responsibility for giving her an OK to fly. He wants to send everything to
Oklahoma and have them give her an OK. I haven't been able to find any
disqualifying problems within my limited understanding of FARs. Is there a
"fast track" through the FAA medical maze? No one at the FAA that I have
spoken with has told me that Wegener's is automatically disqualifying. I know
this is an off the wall question, but I appreciate your time and answers.
thanks
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As long as the BP is controlled with an FAA approved medication, there
is a chance that she can get a third class medical. Explain to her Dr.
that he cannot be responsible for the ultimate decision because it is
the FAA who makes the call, not him. He needs to write a letter
indicating the diagnosis, medication taken, and three blood pressure readings, with there
dates.
Doc
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I am a student pilot, 51 years old, approaching the time to solo. I have just gone for
my medical exam. I was diagnosed with CLL April, 1994. I completed four courses of
chemotherapy in Nov, 1995. I have enjoyed complete remission and normal blood AND bone
marrow studies semi annually since then. What are my chances and have you any advise? Ronald
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You will have to apply for a special issuance through the FAA.
You will need a letter from your MD indicating that you were successfully treated and
are in remission. Send ALL of your medical records too.
Doc
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I have a three year history of Multiple Sclerosis. It has left
me with a limp. Can I get a 3rd class medical? Richard
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You are eligible to apply for a special issuance. You will need
to send the FAA all of your medical records, along with a current status
report from your treating doctors.
Doc
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The FAA insists that A1C be used for my diabetes testing. My lab folks use only
glycohemiglobin. I believe from my modest researches that the numbers are the
same. 1.What is the true story? 2. What do I do? J. P.
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Yes, they are exactly the same. Just different terminology. This is the most
frequently asked-for lab test in monitoring Diabetes.
Stephen
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I have diabets. Any chance that I will ever fly again?
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As long as your diabetes is controlled either by diet alone, or by
oral hypoglycemic medications, there is a good chance. You will need to
submit all of your medical records to the FAA, along with current blood
tests including blood sugar testing. Your AME may not issue your medical
until approved my the FAA.
Stephen
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