Asthma and breathing problems

[Lorikeet]

Hi Everyone,
I just subscribed to this chat. I am training to be a helicopter pilot. I am not too deep into the training yet. There is one problem however, I have asthma. could anyone PLEASE reply with information about asthma in flying. How hard it is to get licensed. Also anything from any pilots (both commercial and pilot) that suffer or have suffered from asthma. I am sending this message to all 4 groups because I really need a reply. I hope you don't think I am spamming and I appologise if you do.

Thanks in advance

Michael

[wxwatcher]

Michael,

It depends on how bad the asthma is and how it is controlled. I've got a mild case of "seasonal" asthma that hits late summer every year. I never had a problem with my third class medical. I usually had something like an alupent inhaler and tablets with me in case something happened, but I didn't have a problem. Like I said, a very mild case.

Now, if you have a really serious year-round case, that may be different.

You may want to email your question to the address I have listed below. It's for the FAA's Oakland AIFSS web site. If they don't know the answer, they usually try to get "unofficial" guidance for you on issues like this.

9-awp-oak-web@faa.gov

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Comments and opinions are my own and do not reflect those of my employer.

[cubdriver]

Hope this isn't too late to help.

I was quite surprised at how seriously the FAA took my mild, exercise-induced asthma. (I have to take two puffs from an albuterol inhaler before doing any strenuous work or aerobic exercise.) I had to provide a "narrative report" from my physician. That report was accepted without any problem, and my next medical cert was written out on the spot, but between the asthma and high blood pressure I went through a four-month delay between the physical and getting the cert so I could solo.

My advice therefore is a) talk to your doctor before you go for your flight physical and get a list of all the medications you take and what for, plus a short letter describing your condition, your history, and the fact that you have it under control and that it doesn't "counterindicate" flying; and b)that you take your physical months before you expect to need the certificate, in case your flight surgeon takes the easy path and bucks it to the FAA.

Good luck - Dan

[BAYALON]

I used to have Asthma due to allergy and I still suffer of hay fever. I had no problem in getting my FAA class 3 and UK CAA class 1 medicals. I think that you need to talk with an Aviation Doc. before you spend more money on flying. It seems that there is no clear rule.
Ben