Epilepsy and flying

Questions about training in general, syllabus', requirements etc
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King Lance
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Epilepsy and flying

Postby King Lance » Mon Jan 24, 2011 12:22 pm

Hi all
Please help>>>
My brother suffers from a mild form of epilepsy for which he is on medication for and this controls it almost completely. he is fortunate in the sense that he has triggers such as lack of sleep, flashing lights etc and knows before hand if he is going to have a seizure. his last seizure was around a year and a half ago.
He is now really interested in flying aswell and wants to know if he would ever be able to fly with his condition.
If anyone could help us with information we would really appreciate it.

Many thanks and safe flying to all.

Lance
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wiskeyfoxtrot
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Re: Epilepsy and flying

Postby wiskeyfoxtrot » Mon Jan 24, 2011 7:04 pm

Check out with a flight doctor.. only person qualified to give a answer on that subject.
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Morph
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Re: Epilepsy and flying

Postby Morph » Tue Jan 25, 2011 2:04 pm

Hi there

I seriously would suggest that he go do a flight medical before even considering spending money on training. Unfortunately the DAME document is quite blunt. :(

I am sorry about this, but rather know upfront than spending a lot of money and having his hopes dashed.

The only other option would perhaps be to fly with a safety pilot, i.e. a qualified pilot who could take over at any time if need be. He would be able to get some training (if the instructor is prepared to accept the risk), up to the moment he should go solo (this is the first time you would need a valid flight medical). Technically at this point the pilot is considered competent enough to be able to fly the aircraft on his own. In his case he would never be able to be alone, but could continue to fly and control the aircraft.

EPILEPSY
1. Important concepts:
a. Diagnosis of even a single epileptic attack means that the applicant is
permanently unfit to fly.
b. No applicant who has had a convulsion after the age of 5 years should be
considered for pilot training.
c. Any inexplicable LOC should be regarded as epilepsy until proven otherwise.
d. An applicant with a history of a single, uncomplicated febrile convulsion
between the age of 1 and 5 years will still be eligible for pilot training. If,
however, the convulsion was complicated, the applicant will no longer qualify,
i.e.
i. A convulsion before the age of 1 year. This holds the risk for mental
retardation and epilepsy later in life.
ii. Multiple febrile convulsions.
iii. Duration of convulsions longer than 5 minutes.
iv. Lateralising signs during febrile convulsions.

http://www.caa.co.za/resource%20center/ ... 0index.htm
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King Lance
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Re: Epilepsy and flying

Postby King Lance » Tue Jan 25, 2011 7:58 pm

Big Big thank you>

Wow i am constantly surprised, amazed and really apreciative of all the people on this forum with their understanding and incredible knowledge.
Hard pill to swallow but fortunately my brother doesnt do life lying down, maybe he'll be our ground crew for long hauls :P , i guess i'll have to fly for the both us then, also a great excuse to spend quality time with my boet, couldnt think of a better place to do that than up there. (^^)

once again many thanks for the replies.

Lance
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Big-D
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Re: Epilepsy and flying

Postby Big-D » Thu Jan 27, 2011 9:39 am

My wife has epilepsy and one of my close friends too.
I would not recommend flying at all even if the condition is mild, you rather do the flying for him - Much better - And he will enjoy it vhpy

With medication epilepsy can be controlled but you NEVER know when a fit may occur in my experience - Friend of mine started having a fit as we were taking off in my trike (he was backseat) - I called him 3 times :shock: :shock: :shock: No response - I landed very quickly and he had no recolection of what had happened - Ensure the safety belt is properly on - Shoulder harness the best

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