Originally Posted by
AirBear
Talk to your AME, or call AMAS:
https://www.aviationmedicine.com/
Many airlines pay for AMAS. Might be cheaper than an appointment with your AME. You can also contact your Regional FAA Flight Surgeon and see what has to be done.
Here's a good article on Heart Issues:
https://www.aviationmedicine.com/art...heart-disease/
Less than 1% of heart issues lead to permanent grounding:
In 1997, the FAA granted nearly 6,500 Special Issuance Authorizations/SIA (waivers) for pilots with coronary artery disease. Of these, most were for coronary artery disease or heart attacks (myocardial infarctions) treated with bypass grafting, angioplasty and/or intracoronary artery stents. With respect to class of medical certificate, 509 were for First Class, 512 were for Second Class and 5,555 were for Third Class. Pilots with heart valve replacements, rhythm disturbances, pacemakers and heart failure also were granted SIAs. Only 0.1% of medical applications to the FAA receive a final denial.
This actually falls under vascular rather than cardiac, but yeah, the odds on a waiver are pretty good.
Decision Considerations - Aerospace Medical Dispositions
Item 37. Vascular System
The following lists the most common conditions of aeromedical significance, and course of action that should be taken by the examiner as defined by the protocol and disposition in the table. Medical certificates must not be issued to an applicant with medical conditions that require deferral, or for any condition not listed that may result in sudden or subtle incapacitation without consulting the AMCD or the RFS. Medical documentation must be submitted for any condition in order to support an issuance of an airman medical certificate.
Common Conditions and Course of Action
Disease/Condition Class Evaluation Data Disposition
Aneurysm
(Abdominal or Thoracic) All Submit all available medical documentation Requires FAA Decision
Aneurysm (Status Post Repair) All Submit all documentation in accordance with CVE Protocol, and include a GXT