Pilots in Club

Hi,

I had my pacemaker implant on August 1, 2013. I am an airplane pilot and am grounded by the pacemaker implant. I understand that I may be able to get an FAA Special Issuance Medical Certificate. I also understand that the FAA requires a 60 day recovery period; then a 24 hour Holter Monitor report, an echocardiogram, a stress test, a Complete Blood Count lab test report, and innumerable doctor reports. Are there any pilots in the club who have been successful in getting an FAA Medical Certificate after their implant? If so, how long did it take you to receive your certificate after your implant?

Craig

6 Comments

Flying

by Bostonstrong - 2013-08-13 10:08:22

Not a pilot just wanted to wish you well and encourage you. Hope you will be flying soon.
Given the difference in how I feel after a pacemaker I'd much rather my pilots have a pacemaker than not have one.

Flying

by craigyoung - 2013-08-14 12:08:27

Bostonstrong,

Thanks for the encouragement.

Craig

Flying

by craigyoung - 2013-08-15 11:08:34

Doug,
Thanks for sharing. I called AOPA and talked to their medical advisors. They advised me to send them all of my paperwork once I have all of my testing and documentation complete. They will review it for me and point out anything that might be a problem to the FAA. They advised that I do not want to receive a denial from the FAA as it would be very difficult to get it changed even for a special issuance.

Good luck. Keep us posted on your results.
Craig

Flying

by Douglas - 2013-08-15 12:08:11

Craig,
I'm presently going thru the process, Got my pm in Jan 2013, Started my Medical in April, its been a project getting every thing in order, finishing my echocardiogram next week and hope to wrap things up and send info to the FAA. My faa exam.said I should not have a problem getting my medical back. I hope to be flying soon also,
Douglas

FAA Medical Certificate Progress Note

by craigyoung - 2013-12-07 04:12:22

After a 60-day recovery period, I saw my EP. He gave me a stress test, a lab work up, and an electrocardiogram. He also provided me with the operative summary, discharge summary, medical history, initial interrogation report, and make model, and serial numbers of the pacemaker and leads.

I sent a copy of package of all of the above to the medical review staff of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) for their review. After their review they said that it all looked good. They said that the FAA May ask for a nuclear stress test but for me not to get one unless they ask for it.

On December 3, I had a physical exam with an FAA designated medical examiner. He submitted me application for a medical certificate to the FAA. I then sent all of me medical documents, noted above, to the FAA. I understand that due to the past government shutdown and sequestration, there is at least a 100 day backlog in the FAA processing requests for special issuance medical certificates.

I will keep you all posted when I hear anything from them.

Craig

FAA Medical Certificate Received

by craigyoung - 2014-01-08 10:01:25

It has been exactly five months to the day after being released from the hospital after my pacemaker implant and I received my medical certificate from the FAA.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) was a critical resource for me. They told me exactly what tests, reports, and other documentation I would need to send to the FAA. After I assembled all of the documents, the AOPA medical certification staff reviewed them and gave me feedback.

Thirty two days after having my FAA physical exam with an FAA designated aviation medical examiner and sending the FAA my package of documentation, I received my medical certificate which allows me to once again fly as a pilot in command of an aircraft.

Because of the pacemaker implant, I am limited to a third class special issuance medical certificate that is valid for 12 months. I am happy with it.

I thank everyone on PacemakerClub for their encouragement and for sharing their experiences on the forums.

Craig

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