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Old 05-21-2010 | 09:22 AM
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Default 1st Class Medical after Pacemaker

Does anyone know any pilots who have received their first class medical after having a pacemaker installed? I was recently diagnosed with a condition called heart block which is first class medical disqualifying. Despite being asymptomatic, I followed doctor’s advice along with AOPA’s medical board and had a pacemaker installed. In the upcoming months, I plan on filing a “special issuance” for my 1st class medical. I realize this is a rare condition but someone has to know somebody that flies with a pacemaker. Any help in this upcoming battle with the FAA would be greatly appreciated. I’m only 41 yo and not ready to throw in the towel quite yet.
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Old 05-21-2010 | 09:59 AM
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I know of a captain at a major airline with a pacemaker. I don't know the details of his condition- but it wouldn't be a first in the history of FAA medicals.
Good luck
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Old 05-21-2010 | 07:10 PM
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Some info on requirements for special issuance. Not sure what class though:

Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners

Go to the faa.gov website and enter "pacemaker" in the search box.
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Old 05-22-2010 | 04:44 PM
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You should probably talk to an aviation medicine consultant. There are several out there, Virtual Flight Surgeons is pretty popular.
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Old 01-05-2011 | 04:24 PM
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I have an update for anyone that was curious about this heart block diagnosis I was given.
Seven months after having a pacemaker installed I was issued a first class medical special issuance. With the help of an aviation medical consulting firm ($1500) that pushed the paperwork through I was given my aerial freedom back. I do have to have some tests done in the future to make sure there are no problems but I am confident that I will be flying for many more years to come. Thanks for your help here.
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Old 01-05-2011 | 07:40 PM
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Marc1968 Glad to here it and thanks for the update !!
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Old 01-06-2011 | 06:34 AM
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Originally Posted by marc1968
I have an update for anyone that was curious about this heart block diagnosis I was given.
Seven months after having a pacemaker installed I was issued a first class medical special issuance. With the help of an aviation medical consulting firm ($1500) that pushed the paperwork through I was given my aerial freedom back. I do have to have some tests done in the future to make sure there are no problems but I am confident that I will be flying for many more years to come. Thanks for your help here.
Clarify for us, Marc. This was actually an electrical anomaly, not a coronary artery blockage - right?

I don't think there's a problem with posting the name of the consulting firm, either - if you're comfortable with that.

And "megadittoes" on your good outcome!
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Old 01-06-2011 | 08:39 AM
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Congrats on a happy outcome!

We would like to know who helped you if possible, there are only a few firms who do this and there has been some debate about their relative performance lately.
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Old 02-13-2011 | 10:11 PM
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Default I too have a special issuance. So...

Congrats Marc!!

Last edited by Jetblst65; 02-13-2011 at 10:15 PM. Reason: Just decided not to post original. Thanks.
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Old 05-09-2018 | 05:01 AM
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Originally Posted by marc1968
I have an update for anyone that was curious about this heart block diagnosis I was given.
Seven months after having a pacemaker installed I was issued a first class medical special issuance. With the help of an aviation medical consulting firm ($1500) that pushed the paperwork through I was given my aerial freedom back. I do have to have some tests done in the future to make sure there are no problems but I am confident that I will be flying for many more years to come. Thanks for your help here.
I hope it’s the same with the CAA in the UK. I think I have the same thing, AV block early repolorization. I’m a fit and healthy 44 years old. No issues. It got flagged on an ECG yesterday as way out of limits, now awaiting the outcome from a consultant tomorrow. From the reading ive done it could involve a pacemaker. Was just taking over as a Chief Pilot for a new unit. Was feeling low last night thinking this might be my flying career over. You’ve given me a glimmer of hope that I might still continue to fly.
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