Pulmonary Function Test

[Pietrantonio]

Dr. Forred,

I'm writing to obtain clarification on when a PFT is required. I've had to submit one before in the past years ago for mild asthma. I rarely use an albuterol MDI nor do use any form of corticosteroid, etc. I haven't been hospitalized since I was a child, and I'm currently physically active without the use of a bronchodilator. Am I still required to obtain a PFT?

Thank you for your time!

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

You need a Spirometry yearly according to the CACI (Conditins AME's can Issue) protocol. Here is the link http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org.../offices/aam/ame/guide/media/C-CACIAsthma.pdf

 

[Pietrantonio]

Thank you Dr. Forred.

 

[Pietrantonio]

Do the results with physician dictation have to be submitted to the FAA prior to my medical exam, or do I just submit the results to the AME at the time of the exam?

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

With the medical exam

 

[Pietrantonio]

Thanks again! Appreciate it.

 

[Cris]

I have Asthma as well. I was wondering now with CACI are asthmatics able to get clean medicals - or do they still remain as special issuance medicals?

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

The Special Issuance goes away if the spirometry is within normal limits. The AME can do this the next time you get your medical.

 

[Cris]

Normal limits are >85% predicted correct?

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

Yes

 

[Pietrantonio]

One last question...
Do they just want pre and post spirometry values? No other aspects of the PFT are required?

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

If the pre spirometry is normal, that is all they need

 

[Pietrantonio]

Just did my PFT and have the results.

Spirometry / Pred / Best / %Pred

FVC / 4.28 / 4.68 / 109
FEV1 / 3.68 / 3.25 / 90
FEV1/FVC / 85 / 69

Thoughts? Looks like a normal spirometry test to me, but I thought I'd get your input as to what I can possibly expect with my visit to the AME regarding this test.

Thanks again for all the advice and help!

 

[My Flight Surgeon]

All of the results need to be greater than 80% for an AME to issue a certificate. If not, the AME is required to forward the results to OKC for their review and decision.