FlyGuy0507

Hey all,
Recently, I was diagnosed with "Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis" which is a disease somewhat like MS but not as extreme. For anyone who knows anything about it, I've had one "episode" so far but if I get more in the future, then it will be full blown MS. If I don't get any more, then it's safe to call it a "one-time fluke" and I don't even think I would be considered having the disease anymore.
Now even though I'm trying to stay positive here, I'm very nervous about my future. I have 1 year left of High School so I'm already in the college planning phase. I'm never going to go for the "pro-pilot" major or anything but I am planning on flying a lot on the side so hopefully after I graduate, I can be picked up with the regionals.

Let's say that everything goes fine and I never get any more episodes...what are the odds of no one hiring me because of this in my past? Obviously if it happens again I can count flying heavy medal out for good but there is 50%-75% chance of full recovery (hopefully the odds are with me on this one!)

In the worst case, I get MS...with all the excellent meds nowadays, what are the odds of being able to fly in the future? I know people can still hold their Private cert. but would it be impossible to one day fly with the big guys??

All input would be great! Thanks!

Alex

USMCFLYR

Here is a website with good information and contacts to have your medical related questions answered.

Aviation Medicine Advisory Service -- FAA Medical Expertise -- Our Physicians...Your Solution!
Click on the 'Consult AMAS' tab for a specific medical condition

You can also search the FAA website for medical information and contacts.

Searching for your diagnosis, I found the following match, but it might not be exactly what you were diagnosed with:

Allergic Encephalomyelitis;
Submit all pertinent medical records, current neurologic report, to comment on involvement and persisting deficit, period of stability without symptoms, name and dosage of medication(s) and side effects.
Factors used in determining eligibility will include the medical history, neurological involvement and persisting deficit, period of stability without symptoms, type and dosage of medications used, and general health. A neurological and/or general medical consultation will be necessary in most instances.
-Requires FAA Decision.

Otherwise - the seach turns up a lot of information on Biological Warfare!

You might end of having to call OKC directly, but this certainly seems like a question that you ought to get answered soonest before you commit any financial resources to flying - recreationally or trying to fly professionally.

USMCFLYR

FlyGuy0507

Thank you so much for responding so fast! I'll have to look at all of these resources you posted. I think my parents and I are going to have a seconds opinion shortly which is probably a good thing because my pediatric neurologist right now won't really give me much of an answer about this stuff (I think she just doesn't have one!) What she is saying though, is that flying professionally may increase my chances of it happening again...which of course isn't a good thing but I'm not sure HOW it would increase the chances. Hopefully by the time I graduate college (5 years if everything goes alright), this will be way behind me.

rickair7777

Actually if it's anything like MS, I could see how the stress of airline operations could aggravate the condition. Cyrcadian disruptions, chemical exposure, constant immune challenges from diseased pax, sun exposure, etc. I would be leery about commercial flying unless you are certain that you are not at risk for a recurrence. Recreational flying would involve much less stress.

For FAA medical purposes, it does not matter whether your goal is regional turboprop FO or major airline wide-body captain...airlines will require a First Class medical in order to get hired and the FAA standards will be the same for any pilot. However if you end up with a limited-duration (waiver) first class I suspect it would be easier to get hired at a regional vice a major.

I would spend some money on a medical consultant BEFORE you apply for an FAA medical.

SparKen

FlyGuy,

You might want to pick up a membership to AOPA (Airline Owners and Pilot Association). One of the benefits of an AOPA membership, aside from the magazine, is the privilege to a medical rep. This rep can give you some advice on how to proceed with your condition. Best of all, it is part of the membership and doesn't cost you a dime.

FlyGuy0507

Thanks so much for all of the replies! These are all things that my dad and I are going to look into. Of course, any more input would be great but again, thank you all very much!

74plb

I would definitely call the Aviation Medicine Advisory service. The initial consultation is free and they can give you a rough idea of what to expect.
I called AOPA with a question and got a *free*answer with regards to a medical condition. While I think the AOPA rep was helpful, you would be better served by asking the professionals at the advisory service.
Once you get enough posts to PM I could give you some input on the possible MS issues.
Best of luck,
74plb

Just noticed you have PM access, So check your PM's

MeLu

At first a pilot must be 100% healthy, this is it. If there is any kind of a disease, then in most cases one is disqualified. However, I am definitely pro for the ones with any minor diseases to join a cockpit and seat at a third place behind. A main reason for it is that a person with any minor disease is more calm and is more reliable then the others. This is an example taken from reality. So I would definitely go for the goal if a goal is not placed too high. Still we are not talking about F 16 or F 18 flying which requires a better health condition then the others. One must pass the 1st Medical Test, what about if one pass it and later starts to feel bad then must resign then can join an embassy or can join some aviation clerk position .

Twin Wasp

I'm not sure what planet MeLu is on, there are thousands of pilots including airline Captains with chronic illnesses. The FAA is concerned with how it affects the pilot. While it is true a pilot must meet standards many diseases are controlled with medication. If the disease flares up then the pilot must ground himself until the condtion stablizes. They're not going to "join an embassy."

We're pilots and not doctors and not doctors with experience dealing with the FAA. Get a second opinion and find a Senior FAA Medical Examiner. They're the ones who can issue First Class medicals. Ask a couple of them what getting a medical would involve. You, there will be a more paperwork. You may end up with a Special Issuance medical which normally is more time limited than the regular medical

MeLu

I know what you say, but this is a case of a young boy, who is trying hard in order to become a pilot, he is still not a Capt. Therefore, he might be asked not to join the airlines or might be asked to join. I read an article about one Capt in US who had a stroke, and could not remember anything afterwards, then his wife took care of him really and he again started to fly it is amazing. Lets the boy take an example of this Capt. I am definitely pro as pointed out for the people with the chronic diseases to join the airlines, lets him try, lets him take some trial flying and see how he feels like.