SkylineAviation

Anybody ever had issues with their gall bladder or gall stones and since dealt with the FAA or had problems with their physical?

meagap

Had mine removed ten years ago. No problems at all with my medical. Get it done. You'll feel so much better, especially if you are having gall bladder attacks like I was.

http://aviationmedicine.com/articles...e&articleID=42

The FAA will allow a pilot and controllers to perform duty with gallstones that are not causing any symptoms. Frequently these stones are discovered incidentally during another study such as an ultrasound or x-ray. If the gallbladder is inflamed, a pilot or controller should not perform safety sensitive duty during this period. In many cases, symptoms will resolve in one to two weeks. They may then return to aviation duties and report the episode at the next physical, if it resolves. Controllers should clear through the Regional Flight Surgeons office before returning to work, however. Those with chronic inflammation of the gallbladder are at risk for recurrent attacks that may jeopardize flying safety. These individuals should not fly or control until the problem is definitively corrected.

Pilots may return to flying after surgery for gallstones once the healing is complete and their surgeon has released them to return to full activity. Again, this surgery should be reported on FAA Form 8500-8 at the time of the next physical examination. Reporting is not required for pilots prior to the next examination if medications are not required. The use of UDCA or CDCA for chronic treatment should be reported to the FAA prior to returning to fly.

For controllers, reporting on the medical application is also required. They must also clear through the Regional Flight Surgeon before retuning to controlling duty. Remember, flying/controlling with active symptoms is not appropriate.

SkylineAviation

Thanks for the reference material!

JetJocF14

Had mine removed two years ago. Not a big deal as it's now done laproscopically. Back on the line in a couple of months.

Fred Flintstone

ricosuave

My surgeon told me it's better to get it removed, than it is to have an attack at FL 350. Attacks will only increase in frequency. Get it removed. It's your only option. Then you can eat all the fatty foods you want!