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C.O.P.D. Chronic Obstructive Pulminarry Disease

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2016 9:26 am
by pjdavis
Hi,

I have been diagnosed with C.O.P.D. - I am only stage 1 and have been so for the past 3 years. There has been no progression, I don't use an inhaler and am not on any meds for it. I cannot really find anything definitive concerning the FAA - Medical.

Any thoughts?

PJ

Re: C.O.P.D. Chronic Obstructive Pulminarry Disease

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2016 2:06 pm
by pjdavis
Thanks! I phrased that question wrong. After I complete my sport pilot - I would like to look into PPL. If my condition reaches the point that I would that it effects my abilities - yes I would know it was time to hang it up. I began in PPL - did not immediately go for Med as I was on a FAA approved med - but the AOPA told me that the FAA would put me through the ringer for approval. It was an anti anxiety drug - from my divorce days - so with my doctors approval we began the withdraw process - 60 days. Then I heard C.O.P.D. might be a problem. I did not want to take chances so I was retested by my pulmonary doc was OK. But still what the FAA says is the question. So once I complete SP - I want to look into it.

Re: C.O.P.D. Chronic Obstructive Pulminarry Disease

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2016 3:28 pm
by dstclair
You might have already seen: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/he ... sses/copd/

Basically, you'll need an SI for the first exam then it is possible for your local AME to renew thereafter.

Re: C.O.P.D. Chronic Obstructive Pulminarry Disease

Posted: Wed Nov 30, 2016 3:47 pm
by pjdavis
Thanks guys,

I just spoke with the AOPA - pilot protection services. Their answer matches the link Dave added in. I may be OK - I have my chart at home and I think I am way above 70%. So I will chart when I get home.

Re: C.O.P.D. Chronic Obstructive Pulminarry Disease

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 11:37 am
by pjdavis
As a follow up to my original post - I was at the Light Sport Expo in Sebring this week. Med exams were being offered on site. I was allowed to have the physical done before I set up a med-express account. I passed - set up the account and now have a 3rd class medical!

PJ

Re: C.O.P.D. Chronic Obstructive Pulminarry Disease

Posted: Fri Jan 27, 2017 1:34 pm
by pjdavis
I brought the results of my last check up with the pulmonologist - and he said it was fine. i.e. not a factor at this point.

Re: C.O.P.D. Chronic Obstructive Pulminarry Disease

Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 5:27 pm
by Bobrob
Since the subject is lungs, I thought I'd add to this thread rather than starting a new one.

In 2005, I had a spontaneous pneumothorax (collapsed lung), spent a few days in the hospital wth a chest tube and was released with the thing completely resolved. The doc who took care of me was an AME and he told me the FAA says it's disqualifying, let my medical expire and don't apply for another third class medical unless I have the remaining bullae (blebs) surgically repaired, which he recommended against since I didn't fly for a living.

it's now 14 years later with no reoccurrence, and looking into it again, nothing has changed as far as the FAA is concerned. I spoke with a local AME last year and after reviewing my case and a CT I had done for something unrelated, he said the FAA would definitely disqualify me because of the remaining blebs. His advice.."Go LSA and have fun", so that's what I'm doing.

But.....I do find it rather silly that I'm OK to fly an RV-12 to 10K feet, but not a Cherokee.

Re: C.O.P.D. Chronic Obstructive Pulminarry Disease

Posted: Thu Nov 14, 2019 7:33 pm
by Warmi
Bobrob wrote: ....
But.....I do find it rather silly that I'm OK to fly an RV-12 to 10K feet, but not a Cherokee.
Oh well, what do you expect from bureaucrats - If they do get something right , it is usually by accident and in spite of their best efforts.

Re: C.O.P.D. Chronic Obstructive Pulminarry Disease

Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2019 3:05 pm
by Wm.Ince
Warmi wrote:
Bobrob wrote:But.....I do find it rather silly that I'm OK to fly an RV-12 to 10K feet, but not a Cherokee.
Oh well, what do you expect from bureaucrats - If they do get something right, it is usually by accident and in spite of their best efforts.
Concur totally.

Re: C.O.P.D. Chronic Obstructive Pulminarry Disease

Posted: Fri Nov 15, 2019 7:53 pm
by Bobrob
Warmi wrote:
Bobrob wrote: ....
But.....I do find it rather silly that I'm OK to fly an RV-12 to 10K feet, but not a Cherokee.
Oh well, what do you expect from bureaucrats - If they do get something right , it is usually by accident and in spite of their best efforts.

Perfect way to put it.