Hello all,
I'm new to the forum and I have an issue I need to research. I have had a life-long interest in getting my private pilot license but I have heard that due to my sleep apnea, this may not be possible. Essentially, my situation is that I was diagnosed about 7 years ago. The condition is controlled via a CPAP machine and is regularly monitored by my physician on a yearly basis. I do not experience fatigue episodes as had been the case prior to treatment. I always get plenty of rest and I am alert. My physician did not recommend surgery as he sees no problem with any life activities if the CPAP could control the condition which it does. Can I get my license as things are now, should I go after the surgery in order to possibly be CPAP-free or has my dream of flying gone up in smoke?
Thanks in advance for your responses.
Wemic
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Let me preface this by saying that I am not a physician. Having said that, if you are in compliance with using your CPAP machine, and can have your compliance certified (there is a procedure you will have to go through for the FAA to accept the compliance findings), you can get your student pilot's license and get your Private Pilot rating. If you have questions regarding this, and other medical conditions/medications/treatments, I highly recommend joining up with the AOPA. You can even get a free six-month student pilot memebership (which includes their Flight Training magazine), and have access to the medical experts and online services that AOPA provides. They are an advocacy organization that can help you with all sorts of issues and questions. They can even tell you what to expect or get together in advance of your going for your physical so you can pave the way. Normally, if there are no outstanding medical conditions, you can get a physical exam from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), and they can grant your your Class III medical on the spot. This medical certificate also serves as your Student Pilot's License. Sleep Apnea won't prevent you from getting your ticket, but you will have to go through a few hoops with the FAA.
www.aopa.org
Click the above link to go to the AOPA website. I'm simply a member there, but they have helped me with my medical situation (I suffered a minor heart attack in 1997), and I have found their help invaluable!
Best wishes!
So i just came across this article....interesting! I happen to work with several truckers who have Sleep Apnea. They all USED to be on Cpap, but now are no longer on CPAP. They were telling me about the natural product that they were using. They said that it has been a life changer for them. I have found it on this website. They are virtually off of the CPAP http://www.natures-rite-remedies.com/site/Sleep-Apnea-Relief-Treatment--...
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