Medical Examination - which is right?

[Wingless Nut]

Whilst browsing the Training section on the WESTERN CAPE MICROLIGHT CLUB, I noticed that the medical consists of STRESS ECG by "approved" practitioners, yet on the CAA site, the requirement is a RESTING ECG. This examination accordingly could also be performed by a local GP, providing that it is done in accordance with CAA regulations. I am confused to say the least. Fact is, if I was sure that I could pass the Stress ECG (doubtful), I could just as well opt to go for a PPL. I just hate those bloody treadmills, and would rather have my GP do it as Medical Aid would then carry the costs. Anybody knowledgeable please help to set me straight on this.

[Junkie]

This is what I had to have done

Resting ECG for class 4 - std MPL
Stress ECG for Class2 - MPL instructors / PPL

[Thunderboy]

For my student MPL license I had to do a resting and stress ECG, the doctor seemed quite jacked up, was CAA approved goes to all CAA conferences etc.
As far as I know you have to use a CAA approved doctor as they have done the required aviation medical courses, my own GP is a pilot and he even said he hates the schlep of having to go to a CAA doc for he's own exams, as a GP he can't sign off the exam.

What I did:

Rest ECG
Stress ECG
Hearing test
Lung function
Chest X-Ray
Cholestrol if you over 40 and maybee a finger up the bum
Pee in the bottle
general med exam with the doc

One word of advise make sure they give you the hearing test before the stress ECG. With me they made me do the treadmill thing then put me in that little box for the hearing test, all I could hear was the DOOF DOOF DOOF of my heart beating and my heavy breathing in that stupid little confined box and then they expect you to hear that little beep on top of it all

I did manage to pass it anyway, Make sure you get 2 copies of the CAA medical certifiate from the doc

[Wingless Nut]

Thanks Thunderboy, It would appear that there are double standards. Or are the "CAA quacks" just letting the meter run for more buck into the pocket?

Thanks Junkie, who's your doctor? Plse PM me with the detail.

[gertcoetzee]

For MPL only resting ECG is necessary.

[Cloud Warrior]

And the dipstick check?

[Wart]

If for MPL only a resting ECG is needed why did my medical examiner make me ride that bike and sweat like I did !!!

Well, I guess rather pass a higher level of test and know that all is OK.

[C205]

Class 4 medical (for MPL) requires only a resting ECG. The requirements for different categories are on the CAA website: http://www.caa.co.za

[Wingless Nut]

Resting ECG!!!! I thought as much but wasn't sure. Why then would the WCMC require a stress ECG? Oh yes! The dreaded dipstick check!

[Thunderboy]

The dipstick and cholestrol is up to the doctors discression (and maybee his pocket) I got away with it, he said he will kinda look you over and if you over weight, smoker or over 40 he will probably do it.[/i]

[Wingless Nut]

Smoker, overweight and over 40!?!? Oh cr*p, that's me!!!

[ICEMAN]

.......a stress ECG? Oh yes! The dreaded dipstick check!

So why not negotiate with the Dr to run a stress ECG WHILE he (or she ) checks the oil levels, as its a given fact that the heart rates will be stressed :D .......

medical multi-tasking so to speak , more bang for your buck if you will excuse the pun

[GR8-DAD]

Also sub-40. No bloodtest, no Cholesterol, no Dipstick but he had a good ol' look at them family jewels

[Arnulf]

Ja ja, the dreaded dipstick test, Eish!


If you think about it, actually its in our own interest to have it done. Unfortunately I am also over 40, and must also have it done for my flight medical. I prefer to have it done by a plumber, er, Urologist, and then present the results to the Doc doing the flight medical. The plumber does all kind of other tests as well, and is more delicate with the dipstick.

Regards,
Arnulf

[Morph]

I last did one last year at 43. No dipstick test and no cholesterol requirements, however in both medicals the doc made me do a stress ECG. I see on the CAA docs that it is not neccessary but it appears this depends on the doc.