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HomeHomeDiscussionsDiscussionsiFly General Di...iFly General Di...Heart ValveHeart Valve
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11/29/2017 7:30 PM
 
desert flyer wrote:

"today my family physician informed me I should meet with a Cardiologist to explore the findings from recent tests

about me needing a heart valve replacement

if done what does the FAA do?

do I have to sell 777H?"

If it were me, I would get the heart valve if really needed, get yourself well, then find a doctor to give you a Basic Med assuming your insurance will allow Basic Med which some don't. A lot of heart valves are now replaced with catherters so make sure you find the doctor that has done the catherter replacements; not the open heart surgery routine. Once you start the FAA route, there is no going back you will be too old to fly again with all their run arounds.

If he has a heart valve replacement, he must get a special issue FAA medical before he can transition to Basic Med. If his insurance doesn't like Basic Med, he can always switch to another aircraft insurance company.
 
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11/29/2017 7:36 PM
 

Tim, I don't think you got my drift.

 
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11/29/2017 7:40 PM
 
Tim Taylor wrote:
desert flyer wrote:

"today my family physician informed me I should meet with a Cardiologist to explore the findings from recent tests

about me needing a heart valve replacement

if done what does the FAA do?

do I have to sell 777H?"

 

If it were me, I would get the heart valve if really needed, get yourself well, then find a doctor to give you a Basic Med assuming your insurance will allow Basic Med which some don't. A lot of heart valves are now replaced with catherters so make sure you find the doctor that has done the catherter replacements; not the open heart surgery routine. Once you start the FAA route, there is no going back you will be too old to fly again with all their run arounds.

 

If he has a heart valve replacement, he must get a special issue FAA medical before he can transition to Basic Med. If his insurance doesn't like Basic Med, he can always switch to another aircraft insurance company.

 

Yes, I did. I was reacting to your first sentence.

 
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11/30/2017 6:00 AM
 

I feel your pain... I had aortic valve replacement 10 years ago and as a bounus, I got a pacemaker at the same time because the nerves were cut and the chambers would not sync up.  After the 6mo waiting period I followed my AME's and FAA's instructions which included stress tests, Holder monitor tests and bloodwork. I got my 3rd class special issuance and renewed it for 10 years until basic med was approved. The 3rd class was only good for one year and required some documentation and a cardiologist letter for renewal. Don't get me wrong, it was not always easy and it seemed that the FAA would change doctors and request new tests, but it was worth it. At this point, the only thing that matters is your health - GET FIXED!

After that follow the FAA protocol, use a good AME or a company that specializes in special issuance, get it, and then transition to basic med.

Good luck!

 
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