Sleep Apnea

[RobertBaird]

Hello all

Can anyone tell me if a diagnosis of sleep apnea will disqualify me from getting my privet pilot's license? I've read through everything I can find but I haven't found anything definitive.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thank you

[sjatana]

Hello all

Can anyone tell me if a diagnosis of sleep apnea will disqualify me from getting my privet pilot's license? I've read through everything I can find but I haven't found anything definitive.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thank you

You should ask a civil aviation medical examiner in your area.

[Aviatard]

Hello all

Can anyone tell me if a diagnosis of sleep apnea will disqualify me from getting my privet pilot's license? I've read through everything I can find but I haven't found anything definitive.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thank you

It will count as a condition that may impair your ability to safely fly because of the fatigue associated with sleep apnea You will need to show that you are being treated for sleep apnea, and that the treatment is effective for some period of time. This will almost certainly delay the issuance of your medical. So go see your sleep specialist or respirologist and get treated as soon as possible. You'll need a report from the doctor to show to Transport Canada.

[Bede]

No. I have a friend with sleep apnea who holds a cat 1 medical. You will likely need to show a report saying that you're successfully treated. If you have something already bring it with you when you do your medical so your CAME can forward to TC.

[william5]

Hello all

Can anyone tell me if a diagnosis of sleep apnea will disqualify me from getting my privet pilot's license? I have sleep problems and always get back pain due to lack of sleep, you can click here for more info. I've read through everything I can find but I haven't found anything definitive.

Any information would be appreciated.

Thank you

Unfortunately, a diagnosis of sleep apnea may affect your ability to get your private pilot's license. The Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) state that a person is not eligible for a medical certificate if they have any condition that could affect their ability to safely operate an aircraft. This includes any medical condition that can cause sudden incapacitation, such as sleep apnea.

However, if you can demonstrate that you can effectively manage your sleep apnea and still be able to safely operate an aircraft, then you may still be able to get your private pilot's license. The best thing to do is to consult with a Transport Canada Medical Examiner who can assess your individual situation.

Good luck and happy flying!

[Conflicting Traffic]

Can anyone tell me if a diagnosis of sleep apnea will disqualify me from getting my privet pilot's license?

I have sleep apnea, TC knows about it, and I hold a Cat 1 medical. I had a pretty drastic surgery for it 10 or so years ago, and I still use a CPAP. I've held the Cat 1 before and after the surgery. It's possible that if you have other conditions that complicate the sleep apnea, it may cause problems with holding a medical. On it's own, sleep apnea may require you to jump through some extra hoops, but ultimately shouldn't stop you from holding a medical.

I would caution you to manage your sleep apnea very carefully, though. For the year (possibly two years) leading up to my surgery, I probably should not have held a medical. The fatigue effects of sleep apnea are very insidious, and are hard to assess when you're in the middle of them (I also had small kids at the time, that didn't help any:)).

I have sleep problems and always get back pain due to lack of sleep, you can click here for more info. I've read through everything I can find but I haven't found anything definitive.

I get sore muscles across the middle of my back when I don't use my CPAP. It's from the muscles spasming through the night when your airway is blocked and you're trying to breathe. If this is what your issue is, you might find that a CPAP resolves it along with your fatigue. Talk to a doctor -- most cases of sleep apnea are treatable.

Unfortunately, a diagnosis of sleep apnea may affect your ability to get your private pilot's license. ... This includes any medical condition that can cause sudden incapacitation, such as sleep apnea.

Maybe you're thinking of narcolepsy? Sleep apnea doesn't cause sudden incapacitation. The fatigue effects build up over time, and they are manageable if you are aware of them.

[Squaretail]

No. I have a friend with sleep apnea who holds a cat 1 medical. You will likely need to show a report saying that you're successfully treated. If you have something already bring it with you when you do your medical so your CAME can forward to TC.

As a side note, the FAA has a drastically different view if one is looking to get licensed there.

[EPR]

Don't even bring it up!

[Bede]

Don't even bring it up!

Umm, that would be illegal and could be considered a contravention of the Aeronautics Act, the penalties of which are considerably higher than the CARs.

[EPR]

Yahh..but, he's just wanting a Private Pilots License, if you are being successfully treated for it and you don't have fatigue issues, just don't bring it up!

[edmanster]

There is an alternative solution to sleep Apnea that does not involve CPAC(not all cases) nor surgery. It involves a upper & lower mouth guard worn during sleep times. (similar to sport protective). In 2008; wife had banned me to the adjacent bedroom; today i do not snore nor wear the guard. I would 100% vouch for this alternative. Search Dr. Brock Rondeau / London, Ont. I am not attempting to sell snake oil.

[Blowin' In The Wind]

That’s called a Mandibular Advancement Device. Unfortunately for pilots, TC doesn’t consider MAD a replacement for CPAP.