blood pressure medicine

[CaptWidgeon]

a buddy's father-in-law wants to take flying lessons and is on blood pressure meds. i don't know what type, i don't know how long, i thought i'd just ask in general to see if there may be a prob? and if so is there a chance he may be able to get a waiver? all he'll need is a 3rd class obviously.

i've emailed my friend to get more info, i've forgot the details he, the father-in-law, told me about what he takes and for how long. thanks.

 

[jmreii]

Hypertension medication

Check with the FAA or AOPA there is a list of hypertension medications that are allowed and a procedure to enact them. This will be for all classes of medicals. Good luck.

 

[erj-145mech]

Have him join the AOPA. Its not that expensive and the advice that they give is the best, bar none. This is not just for medical issue either.

Some meds are fully acceptable, some not.

He will get the better advice than from a public forum, thats for sure.

 

[JCJ]

Most anti-hypertensives are acceptable. At his first medical he will need to have some basic additional tests to demonstrate that he doesn't have any end organ damage from his hypertension - typically some lab tests and an EKG -- and a report from the physician who is treating his hypertension. AOPA is an excellent reference - look up the FAA cardiovascular evaluation - for the purposes of his FAA medical he should bring to the AME exactly what the evaluation calls for - no less and no more. If he does, and it's good, he'll walk out of the AME office with his medical.

Many, many pilots are certified (even through Class 1) with well controlled hypertension. Assuming good control and no other problems, it will be relatively easy to get certified -- but there are some exra hoops to jump through.

(disclaimer - I am not an AME -- but I am a physician, I hold a current Class II and I am on anti-hypertensive meds.)

 

[CaptWidgeon]

thanks for the info guys. i've told him about aopa and recommended he join but i didn't want to encourage him to do this and then get to the medical part and not pass. it's one of those things that he doesn't even know the questions to ask so i'm just trying to help him out.

jcj that's just the info i was looking for. i know every case has to be looked at independently but at least this is good news. not that you're on meds but that you can still fly. he's outta state from where i am but at least i can tell him to give his instructor all the info up front so they can get a head start on the paperwork, thanks.

cheers and be safe ya'll, jason:beer: