AF Pilot with Atrial Fibrillation

G

Globemaster

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Registered Member
I am a AF pilot with 14 years TIS and was diagnosed with AFib in January. I have >5 episodes documented with EKG to qualify for a VA 30% rating. I am currently stabilized on a combination of antiarrthymic and beta blocker and have decided to stay on this form of treatment. My Flight Doc is starting the IRILO process.

I am also currently DNIF and was told that it is unlikely the antiarrhymic will be waiverable in my case. Since I can’t perform my primary duty as a pilot. The best IRILO outcome that I can see is to proceed to a MEB and then get medically retired.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
 
What is your status? Also AF pilot, in ER this weekend for first Afib episode
 
Sorry to hear about your episode. I went through 6 episodes earlier this year. I decided not to perform an ablation and to stay on my medication which has stabilized my AFib episodes. Currently on 50mg of Metoprolol and 100mg of Flecainide twice daily.

I went to a IRILO (pre-MEB) and was returned to duty. After that, Flight Medicine put in a waiver for me which went to the AF surgeon general and they waived my condition and the medically unapproved Flecainide. I believe I’m the only flyer on this combo of medicine and waived to continue AF flying. I also got my FAA class 1 waiver, that waiver process was a lot easier to get once I was stabilized for 30 days.

Hang in there, there are multiple treatment options. The flight med waiver guide was helpful through this process for me. Feel free to contact if you have any questions.
 
@Globemaster
Thank you for the update. I'm surprised that you were: retained, the RX was waived and the FAA gave you a first class. All great news for you! It gives me hope that I can get a medical, just looking for a 3rd class.
 
Once you go 30 days without an episode, you’ll need a doctor’s note stating your condition and if on any meds. Ablation has a 90 day stabilized period, before submitting for the Special Issuance. Good luck!
 
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