FAA Medical - high blood pressure?

[rehler]

Big surprise at my FAA medical exam today. HELP!

Since I am taking medicine for high blood pressure the doctor said he could not issue the FAA medical certificate. I did not remember the name of the medicine I am taking, so he asked me to call him and let him know the name of the medicine and he will then ask the FAA in Oklahoma to review my application and the medicine.

Anyone else have this problem? Do you think the FAA will approve the medical certificate if I take high blood pressure medicine? If I stop taking the medicine can I then take another exam?

[Chuck Roberg]

I would check with the "experts" on this right away. By that I mean either EAA or AOPA. They both have departments dealing with aeromedical questions. Sorry I don't have the links handy.

Update. Found the link for EAA; http://members.eaa.org/home/medical/default.asp

You have to be a member, but this is what the link leads to;

Medical Assistance
EAA's Medical website is organized as follows:

Aeromedical Advisory Program
The Aeromedical Advisory Program is dedicated to keeping our members flying. The program has two key parts: Medical Condition Kits and EAA Pilot Advocates. Your first step to regaining your medical is to review the Medical Condition Kit relevant to your problem. Next locate and contact a Pilot Advocate to assist you in compiling your medical information to submit to the FAA. Finally, EAA Aviation Information Services can monitor your submission to make sure it continues to move forward within the FAA.

EAA Aeromedical Advisory Council
Explains the purpose of the EAA Aeromedical Advisory Council and lists current members.

FAQs
List of common Frequently Asked Questions regarding medical certification.

Articles
List of available articles on medical issues and certification.

Medical References
Useful links to FAA Forms, Regulations and other references.

Search
Keyword search EAA's entire Members Only website.

Good Luck,

[rehler]

Chuck,

THANKS! I don't know what I will do if I can't fly. My plan is to retire and become a full time gyro pilot (the pay is FANTASTIC! - worth much more than money).

Ken

[Udi]

Ken - take a look at the following FAA guidelines for high blood pressure. You will get a medical certificate if your condition is controlled. Your doctor is doing you disservice...

http://www.faa.gov/avr/aam/Game/Vers...r%204/4.55.htm

Udi-

[chuter]

Hopefully Sport Pilot will be out soon, shouldn't that solve your problem?

[ToddP]

Ken,

I'm taking blood pressure medication...it is controlled and my last flight physical was no problem. There were a couple extra tests and a few questions. After the physical I received a letter from the FAA that stated I was required to notify them of any change in my condition. Your doctor just hasn't read the regs and he is scaring you for no reason.

Something else I've been told is, even if your regular physician can give flight physicals, don't use him / her. The reason being, if you go to your doc because you've had a head cold or anything else and maybe its made you a little dizzy. If you tell him this, it could impact your flight physical ie: Have you ever experienced dizzyness?

[rehler]

Todd,

My "FAA medical" doctor, which I have been going to every other year since 1977, is different than my "regular" doctor. You are right. This is a good idea.

Thanks.

[ahancock]

You can probably get a certificate, but one problem was that you didn't know what medication you were taking. Some blood presure medications are not allowed. Now that the FAA has your physical, they will send you a letter telling you what they want from you. They will want to know the medication and dosage. Probably they will also want a letter from your treating physician regarding any side effects and several blood pressure readings, a current electrocardiogram and some blood tests. If these are all ok, they will issue your certificate.

[TommyRust]

Ken, Beta blockers are not reccommended for High BP. I have high BP but it is controllable by meds. Calcium channel blockers. My flight doc said no problem. Good luck!

[pwendell]

Ken,

You should be able to get a medical with no problem if medication is controlling you BP. I HIGHLY recommend the AOPA Memeber's site for medical questions. They also have free phone support for medical certificate problems if you are a member. Lots of great information.

[PW_Plack]

Ken, as mentioned above, it wasn't the fact you're on meds, it was the fact that you didn't know which one. You left him little choice. I'd bet you'll be OK if you can go back and tell him the details.

I suppose Sport Pilot will solve the medical issue for many gyro fliers, but out here in the west, I love nighttime flying too much to give it up without a fight!

[blackbird]

Originally Posted by PW_Plack

Ken, as mentioned above, it wasn't the fact you're on meds, it was the fact that you didn't know which one. You left him little choice. I'd bet you'll be OK if you can go back and tell him the details.

I suppose Sport Pilot will solve the medical issue for many gyro fliers, but out here in the west, I love nighttime flying too much to give it up without a fight!

I personally take High blood pressure medicine, and have a current medical. They need to know the following.

1. What you are taking and the dosage.
2. Are you currently under a doctors care.
3. At what frequency are your visits taking place
4. His (or her) name and phone number to double check.



Keep flying

[Aussie_Paul]

Hey Ken, you could come and live in Oz. No aviation medicals for flying gyros here.

Aussie Paul.

[Heron]

No siri . . .Ken's next assignment is with the police in Rio, he will fly over the slums to spot drug dealers in action and then blast them to hell!!!
Heron

[Caribean_gyro]

Ken
my friend Heli496 had the same problem. He was ask to submit a stress test and other test requested in a letter he got when he renew his medical. AFter that he got the medical . And now he has to do the same test every 2 years.

so there is hope

ChuckP