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matronics(at)bob.brennan.
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 Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 6:43 am Post subject: Full PPL vs Sport Pilot License |
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Hi Richard,
Thanks for all the great advice, I'm sure there are others on the list that can benefit from it as well. As summary to this discussion I think it is imperative for us pilots to be very aware of our own medical situation and most of all realistic about it. Second most important is to find a caring AME and hopefully a fair FAA official to deal with, we are all different and should be judged by our true condition, which takes time and effort on their part to understand, rather than the sum of the checkboxes on an FAA form. Which is the main reason for my post - to make sure we are all aware of the consequences of failing an FAA medical exam.
For my own part - no I do not self-medicate with aspirin, I only used it for one week in order to quickly reduce my blood pressure for a doctor's visit. I have hereditary high blood pressure but keep it in check with good diet and exercise, I am loathe to fall back on prescribed meds. Aspirin is a blood thinner, it was prescribed to my mother for many years and it does work when taken in moderation. My elevated level was temporary due to extreme stress which is why I don't feel I "cheated" to lower my level artificially in order to gain access to the gym where I could lower it properly.
To bring it back on topic - it seems we also need to be cautious and even sometimes devious to get around these silly rules, and don't assume that being honest on a form will trigger a "please explain in more detail" response and a careful review of the circumstances. Cynical? Maybe, but practical under the circumstances I believe.
Also - yes I am a member of AOPA and the EAA and have been pleased with the help I have received. The problem is in knowing in advance what advice to seek, in all cases so far I have gone to them because I tried first to deal with the FAA and was rejected for reasons I hadn't anticipated, then AOPA or the EAA will step in to try to get somebody's attention to correct what should never have been a problem in the first place. Now I try to educate myself in advance and avoid the many pitfalls, and share that experience where possible, as many on this list do on a regular basis. A smart man learns from his mistakes, a wise man learns from the mistakes of others and avoids making the mistakes in the first place!
Bob Brennan - N717GB
ELSA Repairman, inspection rated
1991 UK Model 2 ELSA Kitfox
Rotax 582 with 3 blade prop
Wrightsville Pa
From: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Weiss Richard
Sent: 26 December 2008 9:02 pm
To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: Re: Full PPL vs Sport Pilot License
Bob,
As a GA and airline pilot, I've had a special issuance (1st class) for over 20 years and high blood pressure to boot. The FAA has made it very easy for a pilot to get BP meds because they realized guys were avoiding medical treatment of this disease out of fear of losing their certificate. The consequences of not taking the meds were too dangerous. Almost any BP med is now on the FAA approved list. They only ask for a pilot to ascertain any side effects and ensure they don't affect flying. (By the way, the same goes for sleep apnea. It's not that difficult to regain certification, just $$, don't ask how I know this:-)
I understand the salt, fat reduction, and the exercise regimen you discussed, and that's great, but I've never heard any doctor recommend aspirin 3 times a day to reduce BP. The side effects of aspirin are serious; internal bleeding, gastric disorders, etc. I hope you're not still doing that.
As for Sport Pilot, the feds were backed into a corner. Sport Pilot was supported by the industry and touted by the FAA as a cost reduction to get more people into flying, not as means for us old guys to skirt medical certification conditions. Thus, if you know you have a disqualifying condition, and the FAA doesn't, what can they do? However, once they know, what can they do? Now you and they both know your condition and they can't legally, turn their back to it, as the rule is currently written. Also. it's not likely the rule will change due to the time, cost, and other problems involved in fixing it. It's sad it can't be fixed, but it is what it is.
I would recommend establishing a good relationship with your AME and get a physical by him or her in advance,maybe 'within minutes' of the flight physical. If you pass fine, if it doesn't, stop there. If the problem is such that immediate action is required then so be it. Better to live and not fly. Go get healed, come back and try again. The relationship 'thing' can't be overemphasized. Most AME's want you to fly and come back frequently for more flight physicals. They also want you to be safe. Most will always work with you, if not, FIRE him and go find another.
If you're a member, you can always call the EAA board of medical advisors with your questions. They will give you an unbiased answer and you can do this without fear of repercussion. The same is true for AOPA. Use these folks, as they are there for you. Heck, your dues are paying for this service.
Just my two cents.
Rick Weiss
N39RW Series V Speedster, 912ULS
SkyStar S/N 1
Port Orange, FL )
DO NOT ARCHIVE
On Dec 26, 2008, at 10:55 AM, Bob Brennan wrote:
| Quote: | So I cut out all salt and fat, took
aspirin 3 times a day for a week, and went to my doctor to get a certified
reading within their limits. |
= [quote]
href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/chref="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List">http://www.matronhref="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
[b]
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peteohms
Joined: 31 Oct 2007
Posts: 224
Location: Leander, TX
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| Posted: Sat Dec 27, 2008 7:37 am Post subject: Full PPL vs Sport Pilot License |
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My first physical after I moved to Hell Paso, TX in the late 70's was an interesting experience. I was told to go to Dr.XYZ because he never failed anyone. Since I was new to the area I did. The office was in a house and when I walked up to the receptionist desk and stated that I was there for an FAA physical I heard a parot in the next room say, "I'm here for an FAA physical." Shortly thereafter I was led into the "parot" room and the only one in there was the Dr. "Oops." He checked me over and said I had high blood pressure and gave me some blood pressure pills and told me not to tell anyone. I passed.
I was not diagnosed with high blood pressure again until 2002 but did not take another FAA physical until 2007. I was totally honest on the paperwork and checked that I was taking high blood pressure medicine and that I have glaucoma. The physician had me get some more paperwork from my Dr's and sent it in to the FAA. They sent me back some more paperwork to take to my Dr's. I got a letter that I'm on some sort of probation for 6 years essentially saying that I have to jump through hoops every physical. Well, I guess I'll just fly light sport from now on and avoid the hassle.
Pete
Kitfox III 912
[quote][b]
| | - The Matronics Kitfox-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
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_________________
Pete
Leander, TX
Kitfox III, 912ul, Grove |
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brubakermal(at)yahoo.com
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 4:03 pm Post subject: Full PPL vs Sport Pilot License |
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if their is anyone willing to talk with me about there LSA repairman cert. please call me at (989)513-3022 Malcolm Michigan roger lee has already ben very helpful
--- On Sat, 12/27/08, Bob Brennan <matronics(at)bob.brennan.name> wrote:
[quote]From: Bob Brennan <matronics(at)bob.brennan.name>
Subject: RE: Re: Full PPL vs Sport Pilot License
To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com
Date: Saturday, December 27, 2008, 2:42 PM
Hi Richard,
Thanks for all the great advice, I'm sure there are others on the list that can benefit from it as well. As summary to this discussion I think it is imperative for us pilots to be very aware of our own medical situation and most of all realistic about it. Second most important is to find a caring AME and hopefully a fair FAA official to deal with, we are all different and should be judged by our true condition, which takes time and effort on their part to understand, rather than the sum of the checkboxes on an FAA form. Which is the main reason for my post - to make sure we are all aware of the consequences of failing an FAA medical exam.
For my own part - no I do not self-medicate with aspirin, I only used it for one week in order to quickly reduce my blood pressure for a doctor's visit. I have hereditary high blood pressure but keep it in check with good diet and exercise, I am loathe to fall back on prescribed meds. Aspirin is a blood thinner, it was prescribed to my mother for many years and it does work when taken in moderation. My elevated level was temporary due to extreme stress which is why I don't feel I "cheated" to lower my level artificially in order to gain access to the gym where I could lower it properly.
To bring it back on topic - it seems we also need to be cautious and even sometimes devious to get around these silly rules, and don't assume that being honest on a form will trigger a "please explain in more detail" response and a careful review of the circumstances. Cynical? Maybe, but practical under the circumstances I believe.
Also - yes I am a member of AOPA and the EAA and have been pleased with the help I have received. The problem is in knowing in advance what advice to seek, in all cases so far I have gone to them because I tried first to deal with the FAA and was rejected for reasons I hadn't anticipated, then AOPA or the EAA will step in to try to get somebody's attention to correct what should never have been a problem in the first place. Now I try to educate myself in advance and avoid the many pitfalls, and share that experience where possible, as many on this list do on a regular basis. A smart man learns from his mistakes, a wise man learns from the mistakes of others and avoids making the mistakes in the first place!
Bob Brennan - N717GB
ELSA Repairman, inspection rated
1991 UK Model 2 ELSA Kitfox
Rotax 582 with 3 blade prop
Wrightsville Pa
From: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Weiss Richard
Sent: 26 December 2008 9:02 pm
To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: Re: Full PPL vs Sport Pilot License
Bob,
As a GA and airline pilot, I've had a special issuance (1st class) for over 20 years and high blood pressure to boot. The FAA has made it very easy for a pilot to get BP meds because they realized guys were avoiding medical treatment of this disease out of fear of losing their certificate. The consequences of not taking the meds were too dangerous. Almost any BP med is now on the FAA approved list. They only ask for a pilot to ascertain any side effects and ensure they don't affect flying. (By the way, the same goes for sleep apnea. It's not that difficult to regain certification, just $$, don't ask how I know this:-)
I understand the salt, fat reduction, and the exercise regimen you discussed, and that's great, but I've never heard any doctor recommend aspirin 3 times a day to reduce BP. The side effects of aspirin are serious; internal bleeding, gastric disorders, etc. I hope you're not still doing that.
As for Sport Pilot, the feds were backed into a corner. Sport Pilot was supported by the industry and touted by the FAA as a cost reduction to get more people into flying, not as means for us old guys to skirt medical certification conditions. Thus, if you know you have a disqualifying condition, and the FAA doesn't, what can they do? However, once they know, what can they do? Now you and they both know your condition and they can't legally, turn their back to it, as the rule is currently written. Also. it's not likely the rule will change due to the time, cost, and other problems involved in fixing it. It's sad it can't be fixed, but it is what it is.
I would recommend establishing a good relationship with your AME and get a physical by him or her in advance,maybe 'within minutes' of the flight physical. If you pass fine, if it doesn't, stop there. If the problem is such that immediate action is required then so be it. Better to live and not fly. Go get healed, come back and try again. The relationship 'thing' can't be overemphasized. Most AME's want you to fly and come back frequently for more flight physicals. They also want you to be safe. Most will always work with you, if not, FIRE him and go find another.
If you're a member, you can always call the EAA board of medical advisors with your questions. They will give you an unbiased answer and you can do this without fear of repercussion. The same is true for AOPA. Use these folks, as they are there for you. Heck, your dues are paying for this service.
Just my two cents.
Rick Weiss
N39RW Series V Speedster, 912ULS
SkyStar S/N 1
Port Orange, FL )
DO NOT ARCHIVE
On Dec 26, 2008, at 10:55 AM, Bob Brennan wrote:
| Quote: | So I cut out all salt and fat, took
aspirin 3 times a day for a week, and went to my doctor to get a certified
reading within their limits. |
= [quote]href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/chref="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List">http://www.matronhref="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com[b]
| | - The Matronics Kitfox-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List |
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matronics(at)bob.brennan.
Guest
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| Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2008 4:17 pm Post subject: Full PPL vs Sport Pilot License |
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Malcolm - contact me off-list (matronics(at)bob.brennan.name) or on and I will be more than happy to explain what it takes to get the certification.
Bob Brennan - N717GB
ELSA Repairman, inspection rated
1991 UK Model 2 ELSA Kitfox
Rotax 582 with 3 blade prop
Wrightsville Pa
From: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Malcolm Brubaker
Sent: 28 December 2008 7:02 pm
To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: RE: Re: Full PPL vs Sport Pilot License
if their is anyone willing to talk with me about there LSA repairman cert. please call me at (989)513-3022 Malcolm Michigan roger lee has already ben very helpful
--- On Sat, 12/27/08, Bob Brennan <matronics(at)bob.brennan.name> wrote:
| Quote: | From: Bob Brennan <matronics(at)bob.brennan.name>
Subject: RE: Re: Full PPL vs Sport Pilot License
To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com
Date: Saturday, December 27, 2008, 2:42 PM
Hi Richard,
Thanks for all the great advice, I'm sure there are others on the list that can benefit from it as well. As summary to this discussion I think it is imperative for us pilots to be very aware of our own medical situation and most of all realistic about it. Second most important is to find a caring AME and hopefully a fair FAA official to deal with, we are all different and should be judged by our true condition, which takes time and effort on their part to understand, rather than the sum of the checkboxes on an FAA form. Which is the main reason for my post - to make sure we are all aware of the consequences of failing an FAA medical exam.
For my own part - no I do not self-medicate with aspirin, I only used it for one week in order to quickly reduce my blood pressure for a doctor's visit. I have hereditary high blood pressure but keep it in check with good diet and exercise, I am loathe to fall back on prescribed meds. Aspirin is a blood thinner, it was prescribed to my mother for many years and it does work when taken in moderation. My elevated level was temporary due to extreme stress which is why I don't feel I "cheated" to lower my level artificially in order to gain access to the gym where I could lower it properly.
To bring it back on topic - it seems we also need to be cautious and even sometimes devious to get around these silly rules, and don't assume that being honest on a form will trigger a "please explain in more detail" response and a careful review of the circumstances. Cynical? Maybe, but practical under the circumstances I believe.
Also - yes I am a member of AOPA and the EAA and have been pleased with the help I have received. The problem is in knowing in advance what advice to seek, in all cases so far I have gone to them because I tried first to deal with the FAA and was rejected for reasons I hadn't anticipated, then AOPA or the EAA will step in to try to get somebody's attention to correct what should never have been a problem in the first place. Now I try to educate myself in advance and avoid the many pitfalls, and share that experience where possible, as many on this list do on a regular basis. A smart man learns from his mistakes, a wise man learns from the mistakes of others and avoids making the mistakes in the first place!
Bob Brennan - N717GB
ELSA Repairman, inspection rated
1991 UK Model 2 ELSA Kitfox
Rotax 582 with 3 blade prop
Wrightsville Pa
From: owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-kitfox-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Weiss Richard
Sent: 26 December 2008 9:02 pm
To: kitfox-list(at)matronics.com
Subject: Re: Re: Full PPL vs Sport Pilot License
Bob,
As a GA and airline pilot, I've had a special issuance (1st class) for over 20 years and high blood pressure to boot. The FAA has made it very easy for a pilot to get BP meds because they realized guys were avoiding medical treatment of this disease out of fear of losing their certificate. The consequences of not taking the meds were too dangerous. Almost any BP med is now on the FAA approved list. They only ask for a pilot to ascertain any side effects and ensure they don't affect flying. (By the way, the same goes for sleep apnea. It's not that difficult to regain certification, just $$, don't ask how I know this:-)
I understand the salt, fat reduction, and the exercise regimen you discussed, and that's great, but I've never heard any doctor recommend aspirin 3 times a day to reduce BP. The side effects of aspirin are serious; internal bleeding, gastric disorders, etc. I hope you're not still doing that.
As for Sport Pilot, the feds were backed into a corner. Sport Pilot was supported by the industry and touted by the FAA as a cost reduction to get more people into flying, not as means for us old guys to skirt medical certification conditions. Thus, if you know you have a disqualifying condition, and the FAA doesn't, what can they do? However, once they know, what can they do? Now you and they both know your condition and they can't legally, turn their back to it, as the rule is currently written. Also. it's not likely the rule will change due to the time, cost, and other problems involved in fixing it. It's sad it can't be fixed, but it is what it is.
I would recommend establishing a good relationship with your AME and get a physical by him or her in advance,maybe 'within minutes' of the flight physical. If you pass fine, if it doesn't, stop there. If the problem is such that immediate action is required then so be it. Better to live and not fly. Go get healed, come back and try again. The relationship 'thing' can't be overemphasized. Most AME's want you to fly and come back frequently for more flight physicals. They also want you to be safe. Most will always work with you, if not, FIRE him and go find another.
If you're a member, you can always call the EAA board of medical advisors with your questions. They will give you an unbiased answer and you can do this without fear of repercussion. The same is true for AOPA. Use these folks, as they are there for you. Heck, your dues are paying for this service.
Just my two cents.
Rick Weiss
N39RW Series V Speedster, 912ULS
SkyStar S/N 1
Port Orange, FL )
DO NOT ARCHIVE
On Dec 26, 2008, at 10:55 AM, Bob Brennan wrote:
| Quote: | So I cut out all salt and fat, took
aspirin 3 times a day for a week, and went to my doctor to get a certified
reading within their limits. |
= | Quote: | href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/chref="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List">http://www.matronhref="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com
3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
href='3D"http://www.matronics.com/contribution"'>http://www.matronics.com/contribution
3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
href='3D"http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List"'>http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List
3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
href='3D"http://forums.matronics.com"'>http://forums.matronics.com
3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
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[quote][b]
| | - The Matronics Kitfox-List Email Forum - | | | Use the List Feature Navigator to browse the many List utilities available such as the Email Subscriptions page, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much more:
http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kitfox-List |
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