Fitness to fly/DVLA

Question 1

uncomplicated MI fly?

Answer 1

7-10 days

Question 2

complicated MI fly?

Answer 2

4-6 weeks

Question 3

coronary artery bypass graft fly?

Answer 3

10-14 days

Question 4

flying after PCI?

Answer 4

3 days

Question 5

flying after stroke?

Answer 5

advised to wait 10 days after an event, although if stable may be carried within 3 days of the event

Question 6

flying after pnuemothorax?

Answer 6

absolute contraindication if present
if successful drainage and no residual air - 2 weeks
if has CXR and resolved, then can fly 1 post XR check

Question 7

flying after abdominal surgery?

Answer 7

10 days

Question 8

flying after laparoscopic surgery?

Answer 8

24 hours

Question 9

flying after colonoscopy?

Answer 9

24 hours

Question 10

what Hb is needed to fly?

Answer 10

more than 8g/dl

Question 11

flying after cast put on?

Answer 11

48 hours if > 2 hour flight
24 hours if < 2 hour flight

Question 12

group 2 license BP rules?

Answer 12

must stop driving and notify DVLA if > 180/100 consistently

Question 13

group 1 license - elective angioplasty/PCI?

Answer 13

7 days

Question 14

group 1 license CABG?

Answer 14

4 weeks

Question 15

group 1 license ACS with no treatment?

Answer 15

4 weeks

Question 16

group 1 license ACS with PCI treatment?

Answer 16

1 week

Question 17

group 1 license angina?

Answer 17

must cease driving if symptoms occur at the wheel - otherwise no limitations

Question 18

group 1 license ICD implanted prophylactically?

Answer 18

off for 4 weeks

Question 19

group 1 license ICD implanted emergency due to SVT?

Answer 19

6 months

Question 20

group 2 license ICD implanted?

Answer 20

permanent bar

Question 21

succesful catheter for arrhythmia ablation group1 license?

Answer 21

2 days

Question 22

AA > 6cm driving rules?

Answer 22

notify DVLA
needs annual review

Question 23

AA > 6.5cm driving rules?

Answer 23

cannot drive

Question 24

heart transplant driving rules?

Answer 24

Cannot drive for 6 weeks

Question 25

driving rules - first seizure?

Answer 25

if no abnormality on brain scan or EEG - 6 months off if abnormality found - 12 months off

Question 26

driving rules - established epilepsy diagnosis with previous seziures?

Answer 26

unable to drive until seizure free for 12 months if seizure free for > 5 years - can have full license until 70 years

Question 27

driving rules simple faint?

Answer 27

no restrictions

Question 28

driving rules single episode of syncope?

Answer 28

if explained and treated - 4 weeks off if unexplained with no cause identified - 6 months

Question 29

driving rules 2 episodes of syncope?

Answer 29

12 months off

Question 30

driving rules around withdrawing epilepsy medication?

Answer 30

cannot drive whilst medication being withdrawn and for 6 months post last dose

Question 31

driving rules re TIA?

Answer 31

1 month off no need to inform DVLA if no deficit

Question 32

driving rules re multiple TIA's?

Answer 32

if had more than 1 TIA need to stop for 3 months and inform DVLA

Question 33

criteria for HGV drivers on insulin?

Answer 33

no severe hypoglycaemic event in the previous 12 months the driver has full hypoglycaemic awareness the driver must show adequate control of the condition by regular blood glucose monitoring*, at least twice daily and at times relevant to driving the driver must demonstrate an understanding of the risks of hypoglycaemia here are no other debarring complications of diabetes

Question 34

DVLA rules re alcohol misuse?

Answer 34

persistent alcohol misuse, confirmed by medical enquiry and/or by evidence of otherwise unexplained abnormal blood markers, requires licence revocation or refusal until a minimum 6 month period of controlled drinking or abstinence has been attained, with normalisation of blood parameters'

Question 35

DVLA rules re alcohol dependence?

Answer 35

as for alcohol misuse but 12 months

Question 36

DVLA rulse re cannabis/cocaine/ecstasy/LSD?

Answer 36

6 months minimum off driving

Question 37

DVLA rules re heroin/methadone?

Answer 37

12 months + consultant letter usually needed to confirm abstinence

Question 38

visual acuity needed for driving ?

Answer 38

6/12