PPL or RPP with heart condition?

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Avianation
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PPL or RPP with heart condition?

Post by Avianation »

I'm in my forties and would like to get my PPL or RPP.  Problem is, I have a congenital heart condition (transposition of great arteries).  This was corrected during my infancy and I've never had any heart issue since:  I'm in great shape, I play sports, etc. and get a thumbs up every year on my annual checkup  with my cardiologist.  However, Transport Canada specifically identifies this type of condition as potentially disqualifying, particularly if corrected with an atrial switch, which is the procedure I had.

So before I book a category 3 medical with a CAME,  can anyone tell me if I have a chance to pass it, or at least qualify for a RPP?
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DanWEC
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Re: PPL or RPP with heart condition?

Post by DanWEC »

Hi there,

You won't find any CAME's advice here, but as far as "potentially disqualifying" goes, that's all it is, allowing for the worst case, unmanaged pathology scenario.

TC's main perspective when assessing any medical is the likelihood of sudden incapacitation. (eg clamp up) Where do you think you fall in that segment compared to the gen pop?

The road to a PPL isn't paved with pennies, so best to go and spend the couple bucks for a medical first before training. Some questions will be answered then. After the initial examination I assume that it'll be sent for a TC cardio review and likely submit to some tests- echo, ecg, stress test for sure, holter possibly. If you don't pass, it's because you have an active issue going on and it's best to know about it anyways! Bank on 6 months or so before issuance with some back and forth. It also isn't a black and white pass/fail. They can apply some flexibility and issue restrictions to alleviate risk, like a shortened validity time with more frequent ECG's or other conditions. You can even appeal and make a case for yourself if your own cardiologist is willing to write a letter.
Honestly, there's a very good chance you'll be fine if you already live a normal life without restrictions.
So, bottom line, just go do the medical and see what happens, no point in fretting over hypothetical obstacles in the meantime! ;)

Good luck!
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Avianation
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Re: PPL or RPP with heart condition?

Post by Avianation »

Thanks for your optimistic reply, I feel a little reassured that this might be possible. My cardiologist has always maintained that I have no risk of a sudden, unexpected event (ex: heart attack) and if my condition does deteriorate it will be a long, slow process, so sudden incapacitation shouldn't be an concern. I have my annual check up with my cardiologist this week and I'll ask him about this, and I'll also go ahead and book a category 3 medical.

Thanks again.
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broken_slinky
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Re: PPL or RPP with heart condition?

Post by broken_slinky »

If you're not able to get a medical in Canada and you live close to the US border, go over there and fly a FAR part 103 ultralight. There's a bunch of weight shift trikes, fixed wing and paramotors that comply with the 103 rules.
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