PPL medical - heart problems

PPL Training

PPL medical - heart problems

agent molder 23/07/2010, 8:30 PM
3 months ago i went to complete my medical, and my doctor noted that my heart was (and is) beating arrythmic.

I was told I could not move on, as there is a risk (however tiny) that i would faint if the arrythmia lasted more that 3 seconds. Fair enough, but I had never ever felt any side effects, and go to fittness 4 times pr week.

I underwent several tests, including 2 x 24 hrs walking with heart sensors for a rythmolog to monitor. Still i was told it was a no-go, and that my condition had probably been with me since more than ten years.

Having never felt any trouble, I decided to push forward and contacted OFAC (I live in Switzerland) and asked for their advice. The leading cardiolog in CH just concluded monitoring my heart via sensors inserted through my veine and however nerve wrecking it was, he concluded that I AM FIT TO FLY.

Just goes to prove that you should never give up until the fat lady sings. Anybody with any hindrence to obtaining their PPL should and MUST pursue every path to ensure that the dream is fulfilled.

Now all I need to do is complete my training. Cant wait :-)

Re: PPL medical - heart problems

biggly 07/05/2011, 7:46 PM
I am training for my PPL and I have just started circuits. Due to my business I have had to have a medical on behalf of the bank and I appear to have a Regular, irregular heart beat. This only came to light yesterday so I still don't know what if anything will be done. Here comes the obvious question, when I have my jar2 medical will they ground me and should I perhaps inform the flight school of this development regardless of the jar medical :(

Re: PPL medical - heart problems

petesk8 02/06/2011, 12:30 PM
Hi biggly,
Due to the delay in the reply you may well have found your answer but the class 2 medical ECG should pick this up. If you are not eligible for the ECG (by virtue of age?), you should offer this information to the AME as I believe it's a legal requirement to notify of any medical conditions that might be considered relevent.
Not being a doctor I can't comment on what this condition means but I can say that my Initial ECG picked up irregular goings on in the ticker department enough for furthur examination (in the end by NHS local specialist - at no extra cost). It turned out whatever was wrong didn't affect my flying and I got my class 2.

Incidently I think you need your class 2 before you go solo so you'll need to get examined soon if you haven't done it already. (I did my training in the States on the American, turn up ,write your name and cough type medical and got my class 2 after I'd qualified. Wouldn't I be miffed if I'd failed!).

Hope this helps.