Reputable and knowledgeable DAME needed in Sydney

[ben87r]

G'Day all.

 

Ive been lucky enough lately to be accepted into a full time CPL-MECIR-ATPLHOLD course down in Adelaide so i was in the progress of packing up my life to move down there when a week before Christmas i go to sit my Class 1 and fail!!! ECG comes up with an issue So, I'm having to travel down to Sydney from cairns to see a cardiologist and will be needing to see a DAME while there for my class 1. Not to sure yet what the cardiologist will find but need to get it sorted otherwise im grounded. This is my first class 1 need someone who knows what they are doing and not looking to ground me cause its easier. Ill be in the Sutherland shire but willing to travel on the right recommendation

 

Any help would be great!

 

Ben

 

 

[djpacro]

Suggest it is more important to find a cardiologist familiar with CASA requirements and dealing with CASA. DAME will simply pass on the cardiologists report.

 

Incidentally, www.aircraftpilots.com would be a good place for this thread once more people use it.

 

 

[ben87r]

From what i was told by my DAME up here, because of the time of year a report from a NON CASA cardiologist given to a DAME would suffice? I have already a cardiologist book for ECHO-STRESS/HOLTER booked but would go to another cardiologist should a casa one be recommended. Had a hell of a time trying to get things sorted from up here the week before Christmas, everyone is on holidays and i cant speak to CASA to ask any questions!! grr

 

 

[djpacro]

Sure, any cardiologist will suffice but my own experience and that of others I know suggest a better outcome for you if your cardiologist has that experience with CASA - sorry, can't help with Sydney people. At least discuss the content of his report - good to get a statement like "In my opinion ... is fit to hold the privileges of a pilot's licence."

 

 

[ben87r]

Will do DJ. The cardiologist im seeing was me third choice ( my first two being know to me,were away till feb!) was actually found off another flying fourm and i asked them about the CASA thing and the said that altho they do not have any designated Dr's they have experience with doing reports for AvMeds and have done quite a few in the past.

 

 

[frank marriott]

Ben

 

For what it's worth - remember you are dealing CASA medical people here (read no consideration of costs) - you would be well advised to get clearly what CASA requires and if they will accept your particular ? Problem ?????

 

Far from being discouraging I relate the following situation for information so that you don't find yourself in the unworkable situation after spending a large amount of money and study as has occurred to a friend.

 

Situation: A a class 1 renewal (after 20 odd years of renewals) was rejected by CASA because of some kink in the ECG (I can't be more specific and don't profess to have any medical knowledge )

 

Sent to a specialist, stress tests etc. over $1,200.00''s worth. Specialist did comprehensive report stating " in layman's terms" that nothing was wrong and the "indication" referred to could well have been present from birth. Subsequently issued a class 1 after 2 or three months but expiring from 12 months from original DAME's examination, I.e. medical for about 9 months!!!!!! Then start all over again. Result now does a class 2 and only operates privately.

 

Not suggesting your problem is remotely similar - just worth having in the back of your mind when dealing with them to ensure that CASA does not give you an initial class1 but require costly and time consuming retests that effectively prevent you from operating commercially in the future.

 

Best of luck with your particular situation. I guess you are the Ben I met at the Mareeba air show?

 

Frank

 

 

[ben87r]

Correct frank that was me!

 

For the moment we are not sure what the problem is, at this stage ive had an ECG (showing enlarged right ventricle and possible hole in heart), a Echocardiograph ((Not a stress test) showing everything is bang in the middle of normal), and a chest X ray showing everything is normal but, because of CASA regs we need to chase a lil further before they will let is rest. I hope after the ECHOSTRESS/Holter and if they show normal results that would be enough to show im FIT. I do have the problem of a previous ECG showing normal resulsts

 

I haven't started CPL training yet but the PPL conversion will start on the 28th of next month hence heading off to Sydney cause otherwise i was going to be starting training only having a class 2.

 

 

[djpacro]

Very similar to my own experience, Frank, but I persisted and have no issues with maintaining my Class 1 medical now - but I don't do the common stress ECG, I do a more comprehensive test first up every year with an accompanying letter from my cardiologist.

 

One of the things I did differently was go to my GP to get a referral to the cardiologist - the ECG identified an issue per the CASA letter so that put me into the public system so minimal cost.

 

Talking to my DAME yesterday - some young people do have real cardiology issues.

 

 

[frank marriott]

Djpacro

 

Interesting, knowledge is no load to carry

 

 

[Gnarly Gnu]

All the best Ben, hope you get this sorted and make it down here for the course soon....

 

 

[coljones]

Correct frank that was me!For the moment we are not sure what the problem is, at this stage ive had an ECG (showing enlarged right ventricle and possible hole in heart), a Echocardiograph ((Not a stress test) showing everything is bang in the middle of normal), and a chest X ray showing everything is normal but, because of CASA regs we need to chase a lil further before they will let is rest. I hope after the ECHOSTRESS/Holter and if they show normal results that would be enough to show im FIT. I do have the problem of a previous ECG showing normal resulsts

 

I haven't started CPL training yet but the PPL conversion will start on the 28th of next month hence heading off to Sydney cause otherwise i was going to be starting training only having a class 2.

Have you thought about a Drivers Licence (CASA) medical until you really need to go class 1

 

 

[ben87r]

Already hold a class 2 but dont want to spend 110k on ATPL and not be able to get a class 1

 

 

[Guest Andys@coffs]

Already hold a class 2 but dont want to spend 110k on ATPL and not be able to get a class 1

That makes sense, Probably also worth asking if, as DJP suggested, the problem will raise a flag each and every time you need to resit, with the hassle that will cause both time and $$.

 

If it will trigger a problem each and every time then maybe ask is there something that can be done in terms of sequencing to prevent an enforced grounding each review period while you wait to get the cardiologist review.... AS DJP suggests, if your GP requests the review in advance of the avmed review, then it isnt DAME related (from a cost perspective), but the report may well satisfy the DAME if the report is only weeks fresh....

 

Andy

 

 

[ben87r]

Just had my last appointment with the DAME this morning and he seems to think 5 yearly up to 40 and then "under review" from then on should it be found to not be a problem. At the end of the day as long as im not permanently grounded im willing to do what is required, will just be an annoying start to a career.

 

On a plus note i have got exceptional results in every other part of the medical including all other cardiovascular related results so the DAME said its weird that the ECG says what it does, hopefully that means it wont be a problem

 

 

[Bandit12]

Sometimes it is worth just getting tested again. These tools are not completely infallible or error free.

 

 

[facthunter]

You will be dealing with Avmed. The whole outcome depends on what is wrong with your ticker. The normal renewal for class 1 is a stress ECG ( Bruce's protocol) but this may not be enough in your situation which is initial and with a condition.

 

They could require an ECT? or an angiogram. Both of these have risks. The stress /ultrasound is a pretty valid test and is not risky beyond the extent that you have to exert yourself to get your heart rate up for a period. If you are fit this will help.

 

You have to consider your long-term situation as well, as far as your health into the future, as well as your ability to meet the licence medical requirements.

 

Just reading your latest. The test may not have been done properly..Nev

 

 

[ben87r]

Unsure of the two tests you have mentioned there but haven't been told to do them as of yet. And as good as a result that would be Nev i would be rather pissed off.

 

Story so far,

 

30/11 told i had been accepted into course starting 28/6/13.

 

6/12/12 told that course wasnt running and have to join 28/1/13.

 

18/12 routine medical shows ecg issue.

 

21/12 told ill need to go away to see a cardiologist (means quitting job 5 weeks early and 7.5k short)

 

25/12 fly out

 

So now i will be going broke and most probably in debt instead of a nice lil safety buffer.

 

 

[facthunter]

I can see your difficulty and am sympathetic to your situation. A friend of mine was the first to get his ATPL back after open heart surgery. One rotary wing pilot had got his back before this. No one in australia before then. Things have changed but you will be under restrictions or extra requirements, perhaps for some time. They don't take risks to any extent. there is nothing in it for them to do so. If you have a good cardiologist he will be the one they deal with. Your DAME will only pass the info on with the rest of the forms.

 

I am in no position to give advice. You may have the option of doing the training and follow up on the medical later, running the risk that you won't be able to operate CPL or above at the initial stage, or worse. That would be a matter between you and the training organisation.. If you don't run out of breath with exercise and your doctor sees no problems just exercise and go onto a good diet in the meantime. This is a good thing to do anyhow. Nev

 

 

[ruffasguts]

Unsure of the two tests you have mentioned there but haven't been told to do them as of yet. And as good as a result that would be Nev i would be rather pissed off.Story so far,

30/11 told i had been accepted into course starting 28/6/13.

 

6/12/12 told that course wasnt running and have to join 28/1/13.

 

18/12 routine medical shows ecg issue.

 

21/12 told ill need to go away to see a cardiologist (means quitting job 5 weeks early and 7.5k short)

 

25/12 fly out

 

So now i will be going broke and most probably in debt instead of a nice lil safety buffer.

 

its only money brink the CX4 project with you for stress relief one flying two being built within 20 minutes of YPPF

 

Mick W

 

 

[ben87r]

Dont think ild have time Mick! (or the funds) Its a 7 day flying roster and 5 day study roster, going to have to try and fit some work in between all that. Anyone want to give me a weekend night job!?!

 

 

[ben87r]

Saw the Doc yesterday, said everything was in normal limits. GREAT NEWS but a major hassle to hear that, he didn't even bother with the ECHO STRESS just said that all is good. Now i hope CASA except what he is saying in his report

 

 

[Guest Andys@coffs]

I hope they accept and don't except!! ( insert smilie here...too lazy on the iPad to find out how to manually insert one)

 

Andy