Heart attack article in ALPA magazine

[Cherokee_Cruiser]

This Northwest Capt. had a heart attack, but just about a year later, he was flying again with no restrictions. I thought having a heart attack automatically disqualifies you from the FAA 1st class med ?

http://cf.alpa.org/internet/alp/2000/oct00p30.htm

[USMCmech]

[ QUOTE ]
I thought having a heart attack automatically disqualifies you from the FAA 1st class med ?

[/ QUOTE ]


Not automaticly, but I'm sure he had to jump through all sorts of hoops to keep his first class medical.

[Doug Taylor]

True.

I know a few pilots with "Merniere's Disease", a bevvy of cancer survivors and a few with diabetes that are still flying, but the FAA's aeromed division gives them a series of 'benchmarks' they've got to meet to keep their flying status.

For the most part, they're pilots with a long history of being medically qualified so the FAA is already comfortable with their physical state and that the 'condition' can be closely monitored.

But that's just my presumption.

[flyover]

Am I the only troubled by the fact that (with a history of heart problems) this guy intentionally flew a leg with chest pain just to get the airplane to where a reserve could take over?

Anyone? Anyone?

[ready2fly]

I'm witcha.

But, I ask myself, if I were flying when the chest pains came about, and there was no one to relieve me..... what choice would I have?

That said - if he's flying internationally, aren't there gernerally two crews??? (he asked... showing his emense igonorance on the subject)