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
TowJoe
You really Schruted that one
I asked my medical examiner about this, and I am sure it changes person to person. He told me that it is more of an issue with people born pre 1970ish. They are more concerned about asthma due to building materials used at the time. I have been getting a class one for 5+ years now. I am sure the Dr. has more knowledge, but this is what I've experienced first hand.
So you have asthma as well. The thing I am worried about is that peope told me it is possible for me to get a First class medical but maybe not pass the rigorous airline physical and medical exams.
My Flight Surgeon
Sr. Aviation Medical Examiner
Is all you need to do is take copies of a Spirometry and a letter from your doctor stating you are well controlled and only use the Flovent intermittently. You will get a Class 1 medical. BTW, avoid the old piltos who smoke 
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Eric Bohn
Guest
Do some research and find the recommended medical examiner in your area. If you're never short of breath and only get the occasional weezing and cough in the cold you'll be fine. Get yourself on a solid cardio regimen and eat right to ensure you stay healthy and your symptoms could disappear - indoor/outdoor broomball and XC mountain biking for me. Exercising outside in the cold will help you get acclimated, just be smart about it.
jtrain609
Antisocial Monster
I would be wary of this "advice."
EDIT: I should clarify, I'm an avid road cyclist, mountain biker, rock climber, runner, etc. In high school, I swam. So I agree, be active, and don't let asthma slow you down from the things you want to do.
But it won't make it go away, which was the point I was originally trying to make.
Is all you need to do is take copies of a Spirometry and a letter from your doctor stating you are well controlled and only use the Flovent intermittently. You will get a Class 1 medical. BTW, avoid the old piltos who smoke
Instead of a Spirometry can I take a peak flow copy, because I have always done well on the peak flow but once, they tried the Spirometer on me and I could only blow for 5 seconds. I don't know if it is because the meter is to big for my mouth and I can't blow properly, because with a smaller one I would easily be able to get more than 6 seconds.
jtrain609
Antisocial Monster
Obviously I'm not the doc, but spiro's take a little getting used to if you're not used to doing them. I've been doing them yearly for my entire life, so I don't see it as a big deal, but you'll want to talk with your doctor about how to get proper results out of it. As the doc is going to tell you, spiro's and peak flows measure two different things.
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Eric Bohn
Guest
Everyone is different of course. I'm not saying you can absolutely expect your symptoms to go away, but it's absolutely possible with a proper regimen. Asthma isn't one size fits all and it's unfortunate that some organizations tend to classify it that way. Don't get your hopes up until you have your certificates in hand, but as jtrain said, don't let it get you down or keep you from doing what you want.
Also, get that medical (first class if you have airline aspirations) before you spend money on anything more than a couple hours flying. There's no sense in continuing on and spending a small fortune on flight training if you can't get what you ultimately want.