Matters of the heart

[SoundBarViolatr]

Scenario:

A prospective Academy student pilot uncovers a 1st stage AV block during a Physical Exam ECG. Are there any complications or delays on issuing out this Airman's Class 3 Medical certificate? How about a class 1 or 2 later on in his career?

Thanks fellas.

 

[sydeseet]

I don't know what a AV Block (anterior ventrical/vein or something?) but if it's enough to give an irregular ECG then my hunch is that this will be a complicating issue with the FAA. Anything unusual, this included I bet, is sent to OK City for review. He should plan on getting his medical records together and finding an experienced AME who will go the distance with him. I know someone is his 50's who went through this and he was given his 2nd class medical back but is required to submit documentation from his cardiologist every year.

 

[Prof. ATP]

Scenario:

A prospective Academy student pilot uncovers a 1st stage AV block during a Physical Exam ECG. Are there any complications or delays on issuing out this Airman's Class 3 Medical certificate? How about a class 1 or 2 later on in his career?

Thanks fellas.

I am not a doctor, but a pilot with history of heart disease. AV block is a slowing of the electrical signals in the heart. A common cause of a 1st stage AV block is good conditioning. I suppose it could cause a small delay in initially issuing a medical but I doubt that it is a disqualifying condition (it's not coronary artery disease or a significant arrythmia). The worst I would imagine is that the pilot will need a cardiologist's letter at each renewal. I'll bet that the regional flight surgeon can handle this, not OKC, if not the AME himself/herself.

Still, I am not a doctor, so the best bet is to check with an AME, or with AOPA.