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Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease 4 years ago. Daily taking 2x 50 mg Eldepryl & 3 times 25/100
Sinemet. I am 60 years old. Class 3 medical. PD symptoms under control. Going year to year with
special issuance. Is there another way to handle medical other than SI? Could the local medical
examiner just affirm "no change" in condition and issue the certificate? Right now it
takes 3 months to turn the paperwork s around in Oklahoma City.
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So far, your friendly AME cannot re-authorize unless the FAA states in
writing that he may do same. I know of no other way.
SkyDoc
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I am 37 years old, and have had 4 epileptic seizures since age 12. My last one
was 12 years ago. I am seeking my PPL, but would be happy with a Recreational
PL. I know a few exemptions have been granted, but do I have a realistic chance?
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I think it is worth a try since 12 years have past. They generally like to see
about 10 yrs. seizure-free
SkyDoc
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I'm a 47 year old airline pilot who's had a succesful full removal of a
non-malignant schwannoma from my spinal canal (continuous pain symptoms were
experienced over the previous 10 years). Although this left me with the loss of
S2 on the right side there was some residual weakness on flexion of my right
foot, but my medical was reinstated with the proper paperwork with OKC and a
number of a simulator demonstrations of ability. While one leg is weaker than the
other, there was enough strength to do what I needed to do in the cockpit.
Although the FAA has not asked for anything special since, should I be expecting
any requests for monitoring or testing on the part of the FAA in maintaining my
medical certificate?
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No, usually one demonstrated ability test is adequate, unless their has been a
significant change in your condition (FAR 61.53)
SkyDoc
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Dear Dr. Roberts; I developed an essential tremor prior to age 5. The main effect of the
tremor is that I cannot draw a straight freehand line. The line has a 3mm sine wave
pattern. Am I eligible for a 3rd class certificate? What can I do to receive a 3rd
Class certificate?
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It should not be a problem... just have your doctor write a letter indicating that you
have a non-essential tremor since age 5, and that it is not due to acute pathology.
Skydoc
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Is the FAA considering allowing pilots to have a special issuance certificate if they are
taking Dilantin and have no side effects or recurring seizures? Or is there another
medication they would consider? I had a seizure due to a mengioma and am currently taking
dilantin. I have been seizure free for four years.
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The FAA will consider you, but they prefer several years history of being
seizure-free. You may want to contact AOPA medical division for their latest update.
It is usually varies between 7 and 10 years.
SkyDoc
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Dear Stephen, I am a 41 y.o. male who has congenital spastic hemiplegia which affects the
left upper and lower extremities. I very much want to learn how to fly. I am able to
drive standard transmission automobiles without any problems. Would my condition
automatically disqualify me from gaining medical for a private pilots licence?
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Not necessarily, as long as you can pass a demonstrated ability test
with the FAA. You would have to get some leasons, and then have your
instructor set up a demonstrated ability test with the FAA. The FAA
inspector sits in the back seat, while you fly the airplane. If you pass
that, then you are given a waiver, also called a waiver.
SkyDoc
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Dear Dr. Roberts, I was recently operated on for a benign brain tumor in which it was
completely removed. I have had no siezures before or after the surgery. Can I fly again?
John
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Possibly. It largely depends on how long it has been since your last seizure.
Have your doctor do a summary report and send in to the FAA ALL of your medical
records.
SkyDoc
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Dear Dr. Roberts, I had a seizure a couple of weeks ago. They say I have an arachnoid
(excuse spelling) cyst on the left side of my brain. I go in next Tuesday to have it
removed. My questions are: Since this was the cause of the seizure, will I be likely for
a special issuance after it is removed? Will I have to wait a certain period seizure free
for the FAA? Also, if I'm on Dilantin, will this keep me from being approved? The doctor
recommended it as a just in case measure for at least 6 months. I want to fly. Thanks,
Kevin
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On dilantin, you will not be eligible. If you get to the point
where you are several years seizure-free,and are off all anti-seizure
medications, then you would be eligible for a possible special issuance.
Doc
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My friend just had a seizure four days ago. The MRI, EEG and CT scan all came back
negative. Low blood sugar is suspected. A glucose test is scheduled for early next week.
Additionally, the pilot, on his own, is going to do his own monitoring with a glucose
monitor whenever he starts to feel the 'weekies' coming on. He has been a private pilot
for over 15 years and has never had anything like this happen in the past. What are his
chances for keeping his 3rd class medical? How long might he be expected to wait before
he can regain his medical if he has to surrender it? Obviously, regulations aside, he
does not want to do anything dumb. Both in terms of putting him or others at risk of
harm or in terms of making it unnecessarily difficult to keep or regain his medical. But
he has never been around this situation before. So, he does not have a good feel for what
are reasonable precautions and what would be considered unreasonable.
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You can not get a third class medical with a historu of a seizure induced by hypoglycemia.
Doc
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Can I fly with a history of migraines? Guy.
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Migraines are a problem with the FAA. There concern is that a pilot will be
flying along, and suddenly get an "attack" that would endanger both pilot and
those below.
You will need to have your Neurologist be as descriptive as possible with
regard to the type of headaches you have (are they really migraine, or
cluster, or muscle contracture headaches?), describing the frequency and
duration of the attacks, the type and dose of each medication, stating that
you are not having any side effects from them.
My experience is that many people who have occ. headaches have been
misdiagnosed as Migraines. Be as specific as you can... and goodluck.
Doc
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I am a 31-year old male PPL/SEL with ambitions of training to become a professional
pilot. I suffer from occaional migraines and have until recently been taking 25mg
amiltryptaline daily as apreventative. Can migraine history and or this medication
keep me form getting a 2nd or 1st class medical? Many thanks
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The history of migraines precludes you from issuance.
Doc
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Dear Doctor Roberts, I am an aspiring pilot, I am 42 years old and am currently
taking Dilantin for a seizure disorder. I have had no episodes within the last ten
years, and am wondering if this will keep me from getting a certificate? I have not
yet started formal instructons but I have got the "bug" to fly.
Please let me have your opinion as soon as you can, and I thank you for your time. Joe
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Seizure disorders are disqualifying, but the FAA is now realizing that
pts whom have been seizure free for several years have a pretty good
prognosis. A lot depends on what the seizures were caused by.
Regardless, you will have to apply for a special issuance.
Doc
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Seizures....I experienced a grandmal seizure last January while staying at a mountain
resort - 8.500 ft msl. Diagnosis was altitude induced cerebral endema. CAT &
EEG were all normal. Now FAA says I'm grounded for 4 years. What do you think.
I'm trying the appeal process now. Jim
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Yes, you are grounded until you get a special issuance. Your
problem is complicated by the fact that your cerebral edema was at least
in part, due to altitude. A grand mal seizure while flying would
probably result in your death, and possibly the death of others. For
those reasons, the FAA likes to see a significant seizure-free period.
Stephen
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