Becoming a pilot with Asthma
 

Hello, my name is Sebastian, I'm currently looking at a career as an airline pilot.

I am concerned over the fact I have asthma, my asthma is not bad, I have not been hospitalised within the last 6 years. I also very rarely take the blue ventolin inhaler for immediate relief from symptoms.

However, everyday I take 0.3 milligrammes of Symbicort via inhaler. Symbicort is a preventive drug which is supposed to stop symptoms developing.

Could someone please let me know if they have any experience with becoming a pilot with Asthma, or if you think my asthma or the inhalers I take will affect my ability to become one.

I had Asthma bad when I was a kid.
I don't take any thing for it now, certain time of the year I will use my wife's inhaler.
I can get a 1st class without any problems.
Try to find an AME that is also a Lung Dr.

Thanks for your reply

The thing I'm most concerned about the medication I take, do you know if there is restrictions are certain medications ?

Yes there are. The FAA keeps the official list a secret, but some folks have compiled unofficial lists.

https://www.aviationmedicine.com/

Great. Thanks for you help. They say they Symbicort is fine.

Symbicort may be fine, but asthma can be a problem.

Childhood asthma is not. That's considered to have ended by age 12.

If you take more than one "control" medication daily, you will most likely end up with a special issuance (ask me how I know) that requires an annual PFT/spirometry test. I've been flying for 20 years commercially with it. Now that I am down to one control med, it is a non issue. Just be careful that the meds you take are on the approved list. If not, you may have to switch.

There is a form called FAA Asthma Worksheet. You can google it. Take this form to the doctor who is treating you for Asthma. Make sure you get a Pulmonary Function test and get the results. Take all that paperwork with you to your AME.
I have allergy induced Asthma and have a Dulera inhaler as well as Montelukast/Singulair for seasonal allergies.