Sleep Apnea - I hope I have it

[Unregistered]

I have talked with a few friends who have it and I didn't know they had it. They are on CPAP treatment and one got surgery and is no longer on CPAP.

Observing my patterns, I finally realized that I do not rest well and have been functioning this way for several years.

I am under 40 and my 3rd class medical is expiring soon, so I am thinking of talking about this with my regular physician before my medical.

If i do have it, it would be a relief, because I can get treatment and a consistent good nights' rest, and I won't be so grouchy anymore.

What happens at my aviation medical exam? Do I just surrender my 3rd class or is this something that can be worked out with the FAA through some type of waiver process?

 

[ClimbnSink]

Never surrender your medical unless you get a demand letter. Iirc sleep apnea is a relatively simple special issuance, contact that guy for details.

 

[gkainz]

Search here for sleep apnea. There's more than a few threads with good info.

 

[SkyHog]

Renew your medical first, then get it taken care. You will have 5 years to get it stable enough for your next medical.

 

[Old Geek]

My total, unqualified, unsolicited opinion is to first lose weight if you're obese. Note that I said obese, not overweight. It will clear up a lot of things, it's free and it's not on your medical record.

 

[AggieMike88]

Never surrender your medical unless you get a demand letter. Iirc sleep apnea is a relatively simple special issuance, contact that guy for details.

Correct on both accounts.

It's perfectly okay to self-ground and let your medical certificate lapse while you take care of whatever issue caused you to self-ground. Then once your medical condition is sorted, gather up the needed materials and re-apply (hint: use an AME who is well versed in getting certs for your condition IN OFFICE, not one who is a "don't care defers everything" type

In addition to reading past apnea and CPAP threads as Greg suggested, consider seek out the guidance of Dr. Bruce Chien at aeromedicaldoc.com He really helped me get my initial SI paperwork in order way back when.

 

[JimNtexas]

If you get your medical first and then talk to your doctor about your sleep issues. that will save you some hassle.

If you do wind up on CPAP or other sleep disorder treatment, contact Dr. Chien or another senior AME. Ask for a 'consult'. He or she will have the straight word on this issue, and can arrange for you to get your medical with an OSA SI with no delay.

There is no need to surrender your medical.