Arthroscopic knee surgery

[HU-16]

Well it's been quite awhile since I posted anything on here, so here goes nothing. And it's sort of long story, so bear with me! I got my CFI at FSI in Sept, then moved backed to AZ. I had no luck finding a instructing job so I started selling cars. Well after saving up enough money to fly on my own, I had an electrical malfunction on my checkout flight at the local FBO! So I rescheduled another flight for a few days later. Then the next night I tore my menisicus in my right knee. I had arthroscopic surgery done to fix the problem. But here in lies the question, when do I start flying again? I'm still in physical therapy and could technically handle flying. But with the FAA the way they are, when should I start flying? I'm getting very antsy, I've flown once since my CFI checkride and that ended up as an electrical emergency! Is there anything special I need to do with an AME or should I just start flying when I feel capable? I just don't know what to do and I'm playing the very cautious route. I won't go near an airplane until they can't blame anything on me knee!!!!!!

 

[Robert Cooper]

I've had an arthroscopy also. I believe you can fly as soon as your doctor says you can. You just need to inform your ME at your next physical.

I've had LASIK, too. I started flying when the doctor released me-about 60 days. My ME (a friend) said to just officially inform him next physical-he'll just do the standard eye test.

Hope this helps.

BTW-drop me a resume. I'm always looking for CFI's with excellent attitudes and work ethics. My website: www.national-aviation.com.

Robert Cooper

 

[HU-16]

thanks

If nothing comes around with an instructing job around here I may move east again, I'll keep you in mind. Thanks for the info!!!

 

[midlifeflyer]

I agree with Robert. That's what I did both times I had arthroscopy.

It's not a bad idea, though, to go up with another pilot the first time. Think of it as a test flight to make sure that you really =can= move that rudder all the way in that crosswind.

 

[bobbysamd]

Scoped

You do have to tell your AME at your next medical. There's a question to that effect on the app. Just to be safe, bring a letter from your orthopedist.

Good luck with your job search, in the meantime.

 

[JediNein]

As soon as your knee doc clears to to resume activities, have him write a letter stating any limitations, pain level, activity restrictions, and, most importantly, that you are off all medications that would interfere with your pilot and instructor duties. Then go talk to your AME.

It is far better to have any problems resolved before the medical expires, than be grounded for several months waiting for CAMI to receive a piece of paper.

My AME cleared me to fly with half range on my shoulder. It was simple, I had the letter, and my restricted movements didn't interfere with my ability to fly. He issued my renewed medical on the same day.

Hope that helps.

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein

 

[midlifeflyer]

JediNein wrote:
As soon as your knee doc clears to to resume activities, have him write a letter stating any limitations, pain level, activity restrictions, and, most importantly, that you are off all medications that would interfere with your pilot and instructor duties. Then go talk to your AME.

I really don't see any reason to go to the AME outside of the normal rotation on this.

If we were dealing with a condition that was completely disqualifying (like a heart attack), I could see it. But I would put arthroscopic surgery in the same category as a broken leg or a head cold. It's transient. It heals. And we self-certify every time we fly.

I have a condition that is disqualifying and I have a waiver. My waiver says that if I have a recurrence, I cannot fly unless I specifically get cleared again. The typical medical certificate doesn't say that.

 

[JediNein]

I don't know what is going on with CAMI, but they sure had a fit over my hypothetical student with an elbow orthopedic surgery. Probably the best thing to do is have a CFI friend contact the AME and/or CAMI with the same question. AOPA's response was way off in left field and the Virtual Flight Surgeons gave me a lot of things to try, but didn't think they could assist.

Good luck!
Jedi Nein

 

[bobbysamd]

Sources of medical info/advice

AOPA, as Jedi suggested, if you're a member or can otherwise gain access.

Pilot Medical Solutions is another excellent aviation medical information and advice source.

Whatever you do, do not go to an AME for advice. An AME is not your physician or buddyroo; he/she is the FAA's industrial physician. An AME's interest is vested in the FAA and not you. I've heard a story or two about pilots who've admitted a potentially disqualifying condition to an AME to get advice, and the AME turned in the pilots!

Case in point: I went to an AME for a medical, having already received a SODA for vision. It turned out this man was an opthalmologist. He checked my eyes and nearly yanked my medical!! Once again, I already had a vision SODA - meaning the FAA had already said I could fly. I was about to take my logbooks for FSDO to be signed off for the FAA written. I also had to work that day. I about begged this man to give me a break. I ended up getting a different waiver which I had removed, thanks to the assistance of a great optometrist. People in Prescott, Arizona will know the AME in question. PM me if any questions.

Word to the wise.

 

[HU-16]

thanks

thanks to everyone for the advice. This message board comes in really handy!!!!