Well at age 12 I started getting a cough but only during winter with wheezing, and eventually they told me it was mild Symptoms of asthma. I am worried that having asthma will interfere with me wanting to become a regional airline pilot in the future. I am currently 16 and still only get those coughs during winter, I have never had an asthma attack, and I am very fit and never short of breath. I take only flouvent but only during the winter, during summer the cough goes away. Besides that I only take some acne medications for some acne I have. Would I be able to get a Class 1 medical, or should I give up on my dream of becoming an airline pilot.
Airline Pilot with Asthma
- Thread starter David
- Start date
higney85
Property of Scheduling
I was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago. I take advair 2x a day. No issues. Class 1 medical isn't an issue. A 30 second "peak flow" test is done by my regular doc once a year when I renew my Prescription.
I have been through 4 class 1 FAA medicals since diagnosis, don't fret the small stuff.
I have been through 4 class 1 FAA medicals since diagnosis, don't fret the small stuff.
falconvalley
Absentee Dad of the OOTSK, Runner, Cat Frustrator
http://flightphysical.com/AASI/AASI-Asthma.htm
That'll get you started.
First, when it comes to getting a FAA physical for your Medical, if you think you have an issue, get more than one opinion for a diagnosis. I can't tell you how many times a doctor has said I am " " and I was actually not. This is very important because once the FAA logs something, it's on record and the process of showing that you don't fit in a particular category takes more doctors' visits and more paperwork.
If there is any doubt whatsoever that it is real asthma and is actually something else, you'll eventually want to find out. I'm not saying that it's not, but I read the word "mild" and that is a read flag to me.
All that said, don't give up on your dreams. If you have asthma, especially a mild case, the symptoms could disappear when your older or...get worse.
Oh, and never, ever "self diagnose" on an FAA Medical application. If you're not sure, get an opinion of a medical professional. Speaking of medical professionals, we have one that frequents this website! He'll surely have some good advice!
DON'T GIVE UP!
That'll get you started.
First, when it comes to getting a FAA physical for your Medical, if you think you have an issue, get more than one opinion for a diagnosis. I can't tell you how many times a doctor has said I am " " and I was actually not. This is very important because once the FAA logs something, it's on record and the process of showing that you don't fit in a particular category takes more doctors' visits and more paperwork.
If there is any doubt whatsoever that it is real asthma and is actually something else, you'll eventually want to find out. I'm not saying that it's not, but I read the word "mild" and that is a read flag to me.
All that said, don't give up on your dreams. If you have asthma, especially a mild case, the symptoms could disappear when your older or...get worse.
Oh, and never, ever "self diagnose" on an FAA Medical application. If you're not sure, get an opinion of a medical professional. Speaking of medical professionals, we have one that frequents this website! He'll surely have some good advice!
DON'T GIVE UP!
Thanks so much for the information.
I was getting very depressed because I asked this question on yahoo answers and people kept telling me that you can't be a pilot with asthma.And the problem is that the first time I started coughing it didn't go away for the entire winter so my doctor was concerned mand sent me to the pulmonary department with a specialist and told me I had asthma, but I don't understand how someone can have asthma if i have never had an attack even though this was diagnosed 4 yrs ago. Anyways again thanks for the response.
jtrain609
Antisocial Monster
I was diagnosed with asthma at 14 months, and at 30 it is still being treated. I'm currently being treated with Advare (I used to be on Flowvent, though) and albuterol as needed. While I am on a special issuance medical, I hold a first class medical, and work for a part 121 regional airline.
I wouldn't be too worried about it. Talk with the doc in his forum about the specifics you'll need to relay to the FAA, and get moving on your medical.
I wouldn't be too worried about it. Talk with the doc in his forum about the specifics you'll need to relay to the FAA, and get moving on your medical.
higney85
Property of Scheduling
I've never had an "attack" either. I started running more outside in the cold weather a few years ago and found it much harder to run when it was cold. Being "in the south" i always played sports when it was naturally warm or happened to work out inside so i never thought it was odd for it to be harder to run in the cold. At the same time we had our first dogs in our house. I didnt put the 2 together and thought it was allergies and went to an allergist after a yearly (regular) checkup.
After being confirmed that I was highly allergic to cats (that's fine, wife is allergic too) the doc then informed me that I was allergic to dogs (we have 3 large "4-legged kids"). She also said she thought I had asthma due to my reactions to meds she had me try. So after running on the machine both without meds, and after meds it was confirmed.
It took 22 years for me to realize that running outside when the temp is below 50F should be painless in breathing. I have a peak flow measurement done once a year and the doc does a letter for the AME (status report) stating the meds/ peak flow/ and a general statement. Never been an issue with the AME or OKC FAA. Supposedly, having very mild/controlled asthma with no history of attacks vs. attacks or more severe issues does draw a line in the sand though with the FAA.
After being confirmed that I was highly allergic to cats (that's fine, wife is allergic too) the doc then informed me that I was allergic to dogs (we have 3 large "4-legged kids"). She also said she thought I had asthma due to my reactions to meds she had me try. So after running on the machine both without meds, and after meds it was confirmed.
It took 22 years for me to realize that running outside when the temp is below 50F should be painless in breathing. I have a peak flow measurement done once a year and the doc does a letter for the AME (status report) stating the meds/ peak flow/ and a general statement. Never been an issue with the AME or OKC FAA. Supposedly, having very mild/controlled asthma with no history of attacks vs. attacks or more severe issues does draw a line in the sand though with the FAA.
Was it hard for you to get accepted at the regionals because of the condition. People tell me that even if I get the 1st Class medical that I won't be able to pass the rigorous medical the airlines give.
jtrain609
Antisocial Monster
The only additional medical I've ever been given was by American Eagle, and that was a bit of a joke, and was offered the job.
I'd say whoever told you that was trying to scare you or hasn't interviewed since Pan Am was still in business.
You'll be fine, really. I have a history of hospitalization when I was young, a laundry list of meds I've been on in the past and I'm ugly, and I've had zero pushback from employers.
My Flight Surgeon
Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner
See my answer in the Ask A Flight Surgeon forum.
Thanks so much. Coming from a Professional pilot that really calms my fears.
Nah, mine was very easy.
They drew A LOT of blood, but it was easier than a Third Class.
I have very mild asthma (get a bit of tightness with colds) and get a 1st class every year no problem. Usually get a ventolin refill for the year from the AME too. Not a problem at all. I had a very thorough pre employment physical as well and it didn't come up either. Granted, I'm part 91, but I'd argue that we run a tighter ship than a lot of 121 ops 
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