Question for AME
 

I hope no one showers this thread with, "you didn't look here/there.." I promise I did! :)

I have a friend who suffers from aortic discharge and is soon about to retire from the Military. He's laying out his post-retirement options and really has his "heart" set on potentially applying for the airlines.

He is able to pass an EKG and has been given a couple surgery options to treat his heart condition. One surgery option allows him to continue flight status but he will have to go back for surgery every 15 years for a "tune-up." :eek:

The other option is that he gets a permanent fix but will have to be on blood thinners for the rest of his life. The drugs required would be the grounding condition ultimately ending his pilot career.

Could anyone give any insight or even some advice? I'm specifically asking is it possible for him to get a Class I flt phys with either surgery. Does anyone have experience in this or perhaps no someone who has?

Thanks in advance.

I'm confused; you started the post by stipulating that no one should provide suggestions or counsel, then ended it by asking for some. Which one?

Since trolling is so commonplace throughout all the threads, I wanted to disclose upfront that I had already scoured the forum for an answer to my question to no avail. That said.. are you able to answer my question?

I don't know about aortic discharge, but I do know a little about anticoagulants (assuming that's what you are intending with "blood thinners.")

Warfarin can be approved with an initial grounding period and regular blood tests. Xarelto can also be approved after a shorter grounding period (I think a week) and does not require any follow on testing.

For all medical issues, AOPA medical has some great reference documents. Additionally, you can find highly recommended AMEs that specialize in non-normal medicals referenced multiple times on the forum. I'm certain that you could get a very quick answer on what potential showstoppers would be involved with the various options your friend has...

So which option has the highest quality of life?

I hear ya. He's at the end of a 20 year career, (mid next year mind you). He wants to keep flying. That says a lot about someone who has flown for the Army has long as he has. Do you have any input on my questions?

Even after extensive research and talking to the flight surgeon a dozen times, he wasn't aware of Warfarin or Xarelto. This may open a door for him. He's going home now to call around (including the AOPA).

I say now because we are stationed in Korea and now here (7am) equals nearly close of business on the east coast.

I see you fly/flew F-16's... check in mid

For many disqualifying conditions, the FAA may issue a Special Issuance Class I medical after following a strict protocol. Once you get a SI-Class I as far as the US airlines are concerned it's a non-issue. Not sure if the condition mentioned comes under SI. AOPA, Leftseatsolutions etc have the expertise for this.

make choices base on what is best for the patient. That said i have many commercial pilots that will choose a course of medical action that will let them keep flying.

Answer: Yes it is likely he can get a class I

Have your friend Google "Cleveland Clinic." They have a web site for their cardiovascular department full of information he might find useful.

I was mis-diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) mentioned on another thread here. I was referred to the Cleveland Clinic by a retired UAL captain. I was seen by a specialist in HCM and was "un-diagnosed."

Going through the special issuance process now and should be hearing something this week.