Question about medical

[dirk82]

I just had my medical done and its been taking a long time to be processed and Im starting to worry, I had to tell the doc that I have had a concussion (prob should have kept my mouth shut) and he wanted to see all the doctors notes to go along with it, I guess my question for you guys is how many of you have been knocked silly and got cleared on your medical? Im wondering of its just a side of caution he wants to see the notes or is this going to stop my flying dead in its tracks and Im just wasting my time spending money on flight school.

[blockheater]

Was this your initial (first medical), or a renewal? Usually, (for a renewal) you get a stamp in the book and your CAME should tell you "you're good to go, see ya next time."

[RatherBeFlying]

A lot will depend on how long ago the concussion was. But if it's been more than a year or two ago without problems, especially seizures, should be no problem.

This is of course your first lesson in the speed of Transport Canada bureaucracy. They're slow at the best of times and slower when there's something that requires thought.

[The Old Fogducker]

Dirk:

Because those type of injuries can lead to Epilepsy in a high percentage of cases, the RAMO just wants more info before signing you off, and issuing the medical certificate.

There are those who will advise otherwise, but full disclosure the best way to go about this, because something may come to light which may cause you to become incapacitated in flight ... needless to say, not a good thing. "Keeping your mouth shut" may give you short term gain, but ultimately, the truth will out, and may result in the loss of your ability to fly a few years down the road .... at worst, you may suffer a seizure in the aircraft and kill everyoone on-board.

In cases of concussion, the first question the RAMO will need answered is "Was there a loss of conciousness?" Second, "Was there a skull fracture?"

If so, then more in depth tests may be required to assist the doc to show you meet a sufficient standard to be flying.

Here is a link to the medical standard for head injury. You may find it interesting to read through.

http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/civilaviation/p ... d-2158.htm

Some mistakenly believe that Transport Doctors are looking for the slightest excuse to deny an applicant the opportunity to fly. The opposite is the case ..... invariably they are looking for info to have you airborne if possible.

From time to time, someone falls below the required standard, and must be denied, or suspended. In my experience, that denial is often accompanied by advice on treatment which may be sufficiently effective to allow a return to flying duties.

Dirk, this process may be time consuming, but wait it out. If you are really getting antsy, then call the Regional Aviation Medical Officer and find out what's up.

People considering flying training, especially for commercial flying, should have the medical done before taking any serious level of flying lessons, just to make certain your investment in time and money will be a good one.

I hope this clears some of the mystery for you. My personal interest in this matter stems from a chronic drunk having struck my car while stopped at a red light almost 30 years ago. I suffered concussion, and was off flying for 3 months because of that booze hound, and I made it back into the cockpit, so most likely you will too.

Please let me know how it turns out for you. I may be able assist you further.

Regards,
The Old Fogducker

edited for typos

[countryhick]

I agree, I have dealt with the YYZ RAMO in the past. He is very open to questions, and is quite willing to talk to you about your medical file. Simply call any of the offices and they will be able to answer any of your concerns.

[dirk82]

It's my first medical. I crashed racing motocross about 2 Years ago and ended up I'm emergency. I was out for about 30 seconds to a min. No breaks or fractures, just a good smack to the ol noggin. I figured I wasn't the only guy to get a concussion but wanted to know if any one was ever rejected because of it

[modi13]

I had my renewal done in June, and I still don't have my sticker, so if it was your initial and you don't have a licence to stamp you may be waiting a while longer. In my experience, TC waits until just before your temporary document expires before they send you the permanent one.

[The Old Fogducker]

Modi:

That may be the case if you deal with the Toronto office, as they are pretty much in severe overload, 100% of the time due to the number of clients, but other egions are generally faster, and none of them "wait" until your validity is almost over before issuing.

OFD

[dirk82]

It just came in the mail last night, Doc says my noggin is as good as its gona get considering. Thanks for all the advice guys. This forum is a great place for a bright eyed bushy tailed pilot starting out like myself. Learning alot reading the topics on here. thanks again

[The Old Fogducker]

Well, there 'ya go!

Good on you Dirk.

Glad "we" were able to set your ole noggin' at ease, and that it turned out as I said it was most likely to.

Regards,
The Old Fogducker