Author Topic: Can epileptics learn how to fly?  (Read 500 times)

Offline Dowding (Work)

  • Nickel Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 627
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« on: October 21, 2002, 03:40:21 AM »
Anyone know? One thing that really got me down about being diagnosed epileptic was the prospect of never learning how to fly - it really always has been something I wanted to do. Oh, that and not getting a place at RAF Cranwell to be trained as an RAF officer because they found I was epileptic. Oh, and losing my drivers license for a year because I had a seizure. Oh, and having a seizure two weeks before I took my degree finals and turning in the worst performance in my academic career (thank god they took it into account). Hey... going off topic in my own thread there. :D

So, does anyone know if epileptics are allowed to fly? I'm on medication, and the seizures I've had have been few and far between. 18 months since I started taking medication and no reoccurance.

Offline john9001

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 9453
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2002, 03:50:27 AM »
sorry about your condition , but no i don't know what the rules are on that, seems that if your meds controled it , it would be ok
44MAG

Online Vulcan

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 9915
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #2 on: October 21, 2002, 04:03:56 AM »
Only as stick stirring 190 pile-its :D

Sorry couldn't resist. (if it helps I'm grounded coz I've got non-binocular vision).

Offline Dowding (Work)

  • Nickel Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 627
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #3 on: October 21, 2002, 05:35:20 AM »
lol :D

Offline Dingbat

  • Silver Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1004
      • http://mysite.verizon.net/res0v1l1
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #4 on: October 21, 2002, 08:30:43 AM »
Quote
Originally posted by Vulcan
Only as stick stirring 190 pile-its :D

Sorry couldn't resist. (if it helps I'm grounded coz I've got non-binocular vision).



Huh?  what's that?

Offline Daff

  • Copper Member
  • **
  • Posts: 338
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #5 on: October 21, 2002, 09:47:52 AM »
Hmm..probably not...maybe on the new National License, when it gets up and running (Or is it already?), as you will only need the same medical as a race-driver.

Go here for more information..best bet might be to contact the CAA

http://www.caa.co.uk/srg/med/default.asp

Daff

Offline fdiron

  • Parolee
  • Nickel Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 697
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #6 on: October 21, 2002, 10:27:10 AM »
I've wondered why you have been an bellybutton in my last few threads dowding.  Now I realize its because your life is so limited.

Offline Dowding (Work)

  • Nickel Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 627
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #7 on: October 21, 2002, 10:37:12 AM »
Quote
I've wondered why you have been an bellybutton in my last few threads dowding. Now I realize its because your life is so limited.


Heh. I must have really touched a nerve in your over-sensitive ego, eh fdiron?

In case you didn't know, epilepsy is a life-threatening disability and I don't particularly enjoy being made fun of because I'm unfortunate to have it. But I'll never let it get me down because I know there are those out there less fortunate than myself...

...such as those with no sense of humour.

Daff - thanks for the info, mate. I'll check it out. Maybe there's hope for me yet. :)
« Last Edit: October 21, 2002, 10:40:57 AM by Dowding (Work) »

Offline JimBear

  • Nickel Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 677
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #8 on: October 21, 2002, 11:39:24 AM »
dont know what the regs are in the U.K.  but in the states it goes like this


Sec. 67.109 - Neurologic.

Neurologic standards for a first-class airman medical certificate are:

(a) No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:

(1) Epilepsy;

(2) A disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause; or

(3) A transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause.

(b) No other seizure disorder, disturbance of consciousness, or neurologic condition that the Federal Air Surgeon, based on the case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the condition involved, finds --

(1) Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or

(2) May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the airman medical certificate applied for or held, to make the person unable to perform those duties or exercise those privileges.


those pretty much apply all the way thru a 3rd class ticket.

I feel for you, diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, controlled with a couple of pills and still my ticket was pulled.

Offline Nashwan

  • Silver Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1864
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #9 on: October 21, 2002, 12:40:50 PM »
Quote
I've wondered why you have been an bellybutton in my last few threads dowding. Now I realize its because your life is so limited.

That's a sad and pathetic comment.

Offline Curval

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 11572
      • http://n/a
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #10 on: October 21, 2002, 01:20:04 PM »
Quote
Originally posted by Nashwan

That's a sad and pathetic comment.


Man, Fd I gotta agree with Nashwan here....someone pee on your cornflakes today or something?
Some will fall in love with life and drink it from a fountain that is pouring like an avalanche coming down the mountain

Offline Thrawn

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 6972

Offline Dowding

  • Platinum Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 6867
      • http://www.psys07629.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/272/index.html
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #12 on: October 21, 2002, 01:51:17 PM »
Thanks. :)

That info doesn't look encouraging. I got my DVLA license back after they considered my case, and allow me to drive with my medication. But I'd have to withdraw it and wait a year before they'd let me fly.

Ah well.
War! Never been so much fun. War! Never been so much fun! Go to your brother, Kill him with your gun, Leave him lying in his uniform, Dying in the sun.

Offline funkedup

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 9466
      • http://www.raf303.org/
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #13 on: October 21, 2002, 02:26:18 PM »
Iron that wasn't too cool.

Offline funkedup

  • Plutonium Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 9466
      • http://www.raf303.org/
Can epileptics learn how to fly?
« Reply #14 on: October 21, 2002, 02:28:01 PM »
Dowding, are you willing to bet your life that you won't have a seizure while flying?  That's what you are talking about here.