skytimes

I have a young student with Premature ventricular contraction. It is just an extra heart beat but I am not sure if he will be able to become an airline pilot and get a 1st class medical. Any pilots have this condition and any effect on your medical. Everything I read seem to say it is nothing and not even treated.
Thanks Mitch

rickair7777

There are a variety of heart rythm irregularities which range in severity from harmless to annoying to potentially fatal.

If it is of the harmless sort, it will not be a problem. But if he's not sure, he needs to see a doctor asap to find out.

If it is not-so-harmless, beta-blockers are a common treatment for certain types and plenty of pilots are certified with the use of those meds.

Some things aggravate the harmless arrhythmia...caffeine and fish oil diet supplements come to mind.

skytimes

he has had it for years he wore the 24 hour monitor and it was less then one event per hour he is not being treated with any meds and had a ultra sound and his doctor said it is a mild case of PVC. I am not sure he should even mention it but I also do not want him to spend $60,000 to find out later he will not be able to fly for a airline

AAflyer

If he doesn't mention it to the FAA and they EVER find out, they will view it as falsifying information on a federal form, and the punishment will be severe. The FAA is changing the way they regulate in regards to the 8500-8. ( I do aeromedical work with my union and can tell you this first hand.)

Same with the airlines, if it was not mentioned and something happened later, all bets are off.

Just be up front and honest, if the airline pilot career is not the in cards then "it is what it is", hopefully he can enjoy flying privately. Dishonesty will eventually catch up to you.

Regards,

AA