Dear Pilot Strangers of the Internet,

I've been on a SI for AFib since 2017. It has been managed with meds and monitored, but this summer my Holter was finally out of whack. I did a Cardiac Ablation in August and just visited my AME / Cardiologist to try and get my First Class back.

The past few months have been... well, I could use a variety of adjectives but I would likely then digress from the purpose of my post. That is to say, ask questions and take charge of the situation you've unfortunately found yourself in. I have been inexplicably fortunate in finding Doctors and medical professionals that truly cared and bent over backwards to help, but this situation could have been significantly more challenging.

First, above all else, comes personal health. Living a long life is more important than flying. Get scheduled quickly, because it could be 4 to 6 weeks or more before you can get the procedure. There is a 90 day recovery after an Ablation, so waiting for second opinions or doing additional tests like a 30 day monitor before getting on the hospitals calendar not only delays a return to flight, it also extends the period where a serious medical emergency could occur. The question to ask is, how do I get healthy now? It is easier to cancel a procedure than schedule one.

Second, make sure all the tests to get back flying are scheduled. I was told after 90 days I needed a holter. No big deal, but after waiting 3 months for that test I was told I also needed a sleep study. It is nearly impossible to schedule one on short notice, the day before Thanksgiving, and the stress shouldn't have had to be endured. The question to ask here is, what tests do the FAA instructions dictate I need to complete once my 90 day recovery passes? Don't go by someones word or your current SI letter. New medical procedures can lead to changes to you SI letter.

If anyone is dealing with AFib, I am happy to offer advice, encouragement, or just a friendly ear.

Thanks for humoring me by reading my rant. I am hopeful that the FAA has my paperwork by the end of next week and I can get back to flying soon.

HI Clue32,

First I am glad you are doing well and all the tests are behind you. Hopefully you get your medical quickly and go back to flying.
I am about to start dealing with re-certification myself but first have to recover from a spontaneous pneumothorax.
Did you consult AMAS or some reputable aviation AME or a group like Mayo Clinic? I was advised by many to talk to Mayo Clinic and that's what I am planning to do.

Stay healthy and let us know when you get your medical back.

When this first came up I spoke withthe medical specialists at AOPA. They let me know which tests I would need, so I went in with a plan. I thought I was on a smooth path until July happened.

I am now with an AME, who happens to be one of the Cardiologists that sits on the FAA's cardiology review board and has a direct line to the senior cardiologist at CAMI. My recommendation is that if you can find a Senior AME who specializes in your condition, anywhere in the U.S., then go visit them. Failing that, there are a few AMEs that focus on Special Issuances and getting folks flying again.

Feel free to PM me if you have other questions.