History of Myasthenia gravis - disqual??

[alfadog]

A friend at my office mentioned that her adult daughter had/has an interest in becoming a commercial pilot. The daughter has a history of Myasthenia gravis. The history is from 2009 and sounded, based on the casual conversation, as very serious, like IVa. I looked it up after so did not know much about it at the time but the mother said the girl lost all muscle control below the neck. Yikes. I think she meant voluntary muscles so IVa.

The mom says the girl is in remission but the daughter thinks she is cured.

That this is a major issue sounds like a no-brainer to me but IANAD. Can she get a medical? What class medical might be possible? How much in the way of hoops to jump through? Thanks.

 

[poadeleted20]

It's possible, but it's not easy. First, see http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...me/guide/app_process/exam_tech/item46/amd/dd/ for the basic guidance to AME's. Then, read these two case studies on point:
http://www.faa.gov/library/reports/medical/fasmb/media/200802_color.pdf. Start on page 5. Here's the most important part:

Because any of these manifestations could result in incapacitation during critical phases of flight, MG is disqualifying. After an airman with the diagnosis of MG has been stabilized on medication with no side effects reported, consideration may be made for special issuance.

...and note that this airman got a 1st class. There's also this case:
http://www.faa.gov/library/reports/medical/fasmb/media/2006_1LO.pdf
...in which the airman got a SI 3rd class.

 

[bbchien]

I have a couple of airmen, one a pro, flying with this diagnosis, on Mestinon. What counts is residual weakness, fatiguability of muscle groups (can you hack the rudder for 20 minutes on one blower?) and stability measured in 6 month blocks.

Annual SI. This is a known commodity.

 

[alfadog]

It's possible, but it's not easy. First, see http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...me/guide/app_process/exam_tech/item46/amd/dd/ for the basic guidance to AME's. Then, read these two case studies on point:
http://www.faa.gov/library/reports/medical/fasmb/media/200802_color.pdf. Start on page 5. Here's the most important part:
...and note that this airman got a 1st class. There's also this case:
http://www.faa.gov/library/reports/medical/fasmb/media/2006_1LO.pdf
...in which the airman got a SI 3rd class.

Thanks, those are good. I will pass them along to the mom. The ATP had ocular only and the 3rd class seemed to be presenting mostly fatigue. This girl apparently had significant neurological involvement. Sounds like it might be worth a shot but a very good chance, IMO, of being shot down?

 

[alfadog]

I have a couple of airmen, one a pro, flying with this diagnosis, on Mestinon. What counts is residual weakness, fatiguability of muscle groups (can you hack the rudder for 20 minutes on one blower?) and stability measured in 6 month blocks.

Annual SI. This is a known commodity.

Thanks. Was there anything like the neurological involvement that this girl seems to have experienced in their cases? Would that count very heavily if she has been symptom-free for two years?

 

[bbchien]

Not enough information to say. Is the two year period because of immuno-modulators....etc etc etc....

 

[alfadog]

Not enough information to say. Is the two year period because of immuno-modulators....etc etc etc....

Understood. I will pass along to the mom that there is a chance though there will be a process which is a bit more than I thought at first (process, yes - chance, not so much is what I thought).