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

Here's the place to ask all of your medical questions. But don't believe everything you read!

Moderator: drseti

Post Reply
pjdavis
Posts: 89
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2016 4:56 pm
Location: Freeland, MD

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

Post 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
pjdavis
Posts: 89
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2016 4:56 pm
Location: Freeland, MD

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

Post 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.
User avatar
dstclair
Posts: 1092
Joined: Thu Mar 06, 2008 11:23 am
Location: Allen, TX

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

Post 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.
dave
pjdavis
Posts: 89
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2016 4:56 pm
Location: Freeland, MD

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

Post 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.
pjdavis
Posts: 89
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2016 4:56 pm
Location: Freeland, MD

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

Post 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
pjdavis
Posts: 89
Joined: Mon Aug 15, 2016 4:56 pm
Location: Freeland, MD

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

Post 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.
Bobrob
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 12, 2019 7:20 pm
Location: 03237

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

Post 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.
User avatar
Warmi
Posts: 1230
Joined: Sun Oct 16, 2016 5:35 pm
Location: Frankfort, IL

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

Post 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.
Flying Sting S4 ( N184WA ) out of Illinois
Wm.Ince
Posts: 1080
Joined: Sun Nov 17, 2013 3:27 pm
Location: Clearwater, FL

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

Post 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.
Bill Ince
LSRI
Retired Heavy Equipment Operator
Bobrob
Posts: 6
Joined: Tue Nov 12, 2019 7:20 pm
Location: 03237

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

Post 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.
Post Reply