Marchisio From Italy, joined May 2011, 4 posts, RR: 0 Posted (1 year 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 23 hours ago) and read 1917 times:
Hi guys
I'm 24 years old and is hopefully soon ready to commence my flight training.
In next month I got an appointment in AMS, Gatwick for a medical one check and I'm a bit worried about it.
The problem that worries me is I got my ACL ruptured 7 month ago due to skiing
I had a surgery for approximately 5 months ago and my knee is now working almost perfectly.
I can ride a bike, run, swim, jump on the "injured" knee. I can stretch the leg 100% and the muscles around the "injured" knee works exact as the healthy knee.
But my problem is I can't bend my knee 100% yet.
If I lie on my knees and tryin to get my bottom to reach my heels there will be a pain. I think I still need 7-8 cm to reach my heels.
I know it's a slightly "technical" question, but I will appreciate if somebody could tell me whether I have a problem here or not. Maybe I doesn't even have to do this exercise at the appointment at AMS, Gatwick? Or maybe somebody that have been there recently could tell me?
zeke From Hong Kong, joined Dec 2006, 7725 posts, RR: 73 Reply 1, posted (1 year 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 22 hours ago) and read 1898 times:
Quoting Marchisio (Thread starter):
I know it's a slightly "technical" question, but I will appreciate if somebody could tell me whether I have a problem here or not. Maybe I doesn't even have to do this exercise at the appointment at AMS, Gatwick? Or maybe somebody that have been there recently could tell me?
I doubt you do have a problem, that is not the sort of test carried out in a class 1 medical.
I would take a referral letter from you specialist (in English) explaining the diagnosis of the injury you had, the surgery performed, and the outcome of the surgery. You will need to declare any surgery on the application form.
I would also get a separate letter explaining the medication that you were on prescribed as some may have been opiate based, as you could potentially fail a drugs test. If you can explain it via prescription medication, you will be in the clear.
Lots of pilots have had similar injuries, it should not prevent you from operating an aircraft.
We are addicted to our thoughts. We cannot change anything if we cannot change our thinking – Santosh Kalwar
Lowrider From United States of America, joined Jun 2004, 3220 posts, RR: 11 Reply 2, posted (1 year 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 1876 times:
I had a similar injury many years ago. I have continuously held a US 1st Class medical with no problems.
BlueJuice From United States of America, joined Jun 2010, 205 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (1 year 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 17 hours ago) and read 1824 times:
Quoting Lowrider (Reply 2):
I had a similar injury many years ago. I have continuously held a US 1st Class medical with no problems.
Toss me in as well. Years ago I tore my left ACL along with cartilage damage. Passed my 1st class medical with no problems. There was a reflex check like the type you would receive on a standard physical exam. My damaged knee responds normally.
DocLightning From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 16812 posts, RR: 57 Reply 4, posted (1 year 11 months 2 weeks 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 1718 times:
Quoting zeke (Reply 1):
I would also get a separate letter explaining the medication that you were on prescribed as some may have been opiate based, as you could potentially fail a drugs test.
Not seven months out you won't. I'm not a flight surgeon, but I am an MD. At this juncture, I'd be shocked if there was even one molecule of whatever narcotic they gave you post-op left in your body.
Sponsor Message: 
From Italy, joined May 2011, 4 posts, 
From Hong Kong, joined Dec 2006, 7725 posts, 
From United States of America, joined Jun 2004, 3220 posts, 
Sponsor Message: 
Printer friendly format
