TBI and Part 67.309 Question

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bandidopilot

Filing Flight Plan
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bandidopilot
In Feb 2023, I had a head injury from a motorcycle crash that my doctor diagnosed as a brain contusion based on a CT scan. I was asymptomatic until 05/12/26 when I had a very mild left-side TFNE (no symptoms since then). I'm a 71 year student pilot with a Class 3 and written exam (95%) both completed in Apr 2025. I was about to complete my 150-mile solo when the TFNE occurred. As required, I have "self-grounded" but continue to fly with my CFI to maintain my proficiency. My neurologist has diagnosed my medical condition as a TBI-induced Focal Cortical Superficial Siderosis (cSS). My AME has not been notified at this time. I expect the AME to refer me to FAA Medical, pull my Class 3 Medical and put me on a 1-2 year "look-see". My question is: is there anything I can do to avoid taking another written exam and essentially start the paperwork for my PPL all over again? Thanks much.
 
Siderosis is a bad deal, literally it signifies "blood on the brain". Blood on the brain, lowers the brain's resistance to stimuli that might produce a seizure.....for two years. So since you have siderosis and you have had TFNE, you're done for two years, no matter what you do. That is POLICY.

But, Siderosis also moves your "classification" of Closed Head trauma to FAA-Severe, which is at least 4 years down, more commonly 5, and requires a passable neurcog, passable "end of down period" neurology evaluations.

So plan on Feb 2027 at the earliest, and Feb 2028 for your recertification date, at the earliest. And BUDGET for the FAA neurocog as it's $$s.

B
 
bbchien said:
Siderosis is a bad deal, literally it signifies "blood on the brain". Blood on the brain, lowers the brain's resistance to stimuli that might produce a seizure.....for two years. So since you have siderosis and you have had TFNE, you're done for two years, no matter what you do. That is POLICY.

But, Siderosis also moves your "classification" of Closed Head trauma to FAA-Severe, which is at least 4 years down, more commonly 5, and requires a passable neurcog, passable "end of down period" neurology evaluations.

So plan on Feb 2027 at the earliest, and Feb 2028 for your recertification date, at the earliest. And BUDGET for the FAA neurocog as it's $$s.

B
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Definitely not what I was looking to hear. But, thanks much!! Just FYI, it probably won't change anything, but there's no longer any blood leaking or pooling (body healed itself). Just residual hemosiderin on a couple of lobes (which means non-progressive, correct?). I've got a lot of time and money already invested and am wondering if it'll all be worth it to try and get my PPL at 75-76 years old. What would your advice (or opinion) be in the meantime? Thanks again.
 
Mosaic Light sport would be legal (whether prudent is another matter). That's Day VFR only with a max of two persons. You can do it skyhawks, and some early skylanes, or lighter a/c. I don't think you PCP would be interested in a Basic with recent TFNE.
 
Basic Med would be legal, though as Bruce says a physician is unlikely to approve it. Sport Pilot rules under MOSAIC don’t require a physician’s approval but if a doc won’t sign off Basic Med then flying under Sport would be equally unwise.

OTOH, there’s no downside to trying for Basic Med. There’s no such thing as a deferral or denial with Basic. It’s probably worth a conversation with your doctor to learn what it would take for him to be comfortable with approving you. Be prepared for him to say something like “Two years,” though.
 
First, IMHO well done on being responsible and self grounding. Second, if you want to continue this hobby you could fly with a CFI occasionally. I'd just step away from this for a while until you get your condition figured out.

You could just let your 3rd class expire. When you want to restart things in the future, IF at that time your PCP agrees that your condition is good, could do a Basic Med. Skip the FAA SI, tests, etc. If you surrender/etc. your 3rd class you don't qualify for Basic Med. Basic Med will rely on your PCP and other docs to determine if you're good to go. And it seems like you're responsible enough to honestly weigh in yourself.
 
...and for those unaware, TFNE is thought to represent an epileptogenic brain scar doing it's electrical thing. Very little stands between a TFNE episode and epilepsy... :(
 
Thanks all !! I guess no magic wand here. For the time being I guess I'll continue flying with a CFI to maintain proficiency and enjoy the view and keep an eye on my periodic MRIs.
 
Remember it's only been two months since your TFNE, and you had been asymptomatic for several years prior. Patience, airman. Patience.
 
bandidopilot said:
In Feb 2023, I had a head injury from a motorcycle crash that my doctor diagnosed as a brain contusion based on a CT scan. I was asymptomatic until 05/12/26 when I had a very mild left-side TFNE (no symptoms since then). I'm a 71 year student pilot with a Class 3 and written exam (95%) both completed in Apr 2025. I was about to complete my 150-mile solo when the TFNE occurred. As required, I have "self-grounded" but continue to fly with my CFI to maintain my proficiency. My neurologist has diagnosed my medical condition as a TBI-induced Focal Cortical Superficial Siderosis (cSS). My AME has not been notified at this time. I expect the AME to refer me to FAA Medical, pull my Class 3 Medical and put me on a 1-2 year "look-see". My question is: is there anything I can do to avoid taking another written exam and essentially start the paperwork for my PPL all over again? Thanks much.
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Well, it looks like I have 21 months (until May 2028) for an medical evaluation period. I can fly with a CFI twice a month for that period to maintain proficiency, finish up and then take my check ride. Just to get through that 21 month period for the proficiency maintenance part would cost me $16,380 (42 flights @ $260/flight hr). Most blogs say save my money and don't fly during the 21 months. Rather, practice "desk flying" (ie, home flight simulator, chair flying, watch videos, read FARs, etc.) and then startup again when the 21 months is over (this way is suppose to be cheaper?). What is your opinion?
 
bandidopilot said:
Well, it looks like I have 21 months (until May 2028) for an medical evaluation period. I can fly with a CFI twice a month for that period to maintain proficiency, finish up and then take my check ride. Just to get through that 21 month period for the proficiency maintenance part would cost me $16,380 (42 flights @ $260/flight hr). Most blogs say save my money and don't fly during the 21 months. Rather, practice "desk flying" (ie, home flight simulator, chair flying, watch videos, read FARs, etc.) and then startup again when the 21 months is over (this way is suppose to be cheaper?). What is your opinion?
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For the year it took to get my SI, I flew every week or two (though it's cheaper here in Ohio, especially if you fit in a Cub or 152, but even with a 172 would be fifty bucks cheaper than what you quoted.)
 
Who says it’s gotta be a CFI? Find a EAA chapter or something and see if there’s ANYONE who is a good fit to just go flying with.

Now, if a seizure DURING these flights is possible, you’ll wanna be really up front about it.

Doesn’t sound as much like you need the logbook entry as much as you just like to go flying.
 
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