Am I going to pass FC1? - Asthma

[Tomb]

Hello all,

I was recently picked up ANG and haven’t been able to consult with the base Flight Surgeon yet to discuss my waver chances. 

My dependent Tri-Care Medical Record show a 4 year history of Asthma, classified “Mild to Intermittent”. I was on albuterol and Advair. I stopped taking medication at age 11 years and 7 months. Haven’t taken asthma medication since. 

Fast Forward to age 19 ( after realizing my dream to kick ISIS ass via sky), I wanted to be prepared for the upcoming asthma waver challenge. I scheduled a pulmonologist visit and PASSED a MCT, indicating no longer handicapped via asthma. 

1. Going forward what are my chances to get a waver, pass FC1, and go to UPT?

2. Will I have to pass another MCT at FC1? Or additional paperwork, test, etc... 

3. Any advice regarding how to deal with this? 

I super appreciate the in-site and truth. I’m very happy I’ve found this resource (BaseOps) and I plan on contributing once I can offer truth from experience. Thank you! 

 

Edited September 10, 2019 by Tomb

[ANGCandidate2019]

I am on a waiver for having “childhood asthma” for the past 10 years as a loadmaster. It hasn’t stopped me from deploying or anything. 
 

I’m at WP now for my FC1 for a ANG pilot slot and I have to take the MCT and a PFT. I took the MCT when I was in BMT but they won’t accept that since it was used for mY FCIII so I have to endure this fun again. Will let you know how it goes once I’m given the test. Though I’ve passed it before, it’s never a pleasureable experience. 

[ANGCandidate2019]

On 10/21/2019 at 5:00 PM, ANGCandidate2019 said:

I am on a waiver for having “childhood asthma” for the past 10 years as a loadmaster. It hasn’t stopped me from deploying or anything. 
 

I’m at WP now for my FC1 for a ANG pilot slot and I have to take the MCT and a PFT. I took the MCT when I was in BMT but they won’t accept that since it was used for mY FCIII so I have to endure this fun again. Will let you know how it goes once I’m given the test. Though I’ve passed it before, it’s never a pleasureable experience. 

Update: took the PFT today, it was the most thorough test I’ve taken for my lungs. The technician was very helpful and explained everything along the way and I came out normal 👌🏻
 

MCT is Thursday. They will never do the two tests on the same day because you are given an albuterol inhaler at the end of the PFT and you need time to get the medicine out of your system.

 

this whole experience has been attitude driven. No one wants to fail you here. If you have the right attitude and mindset and give everything you have more than likely things will work out. In my 10 years of service I’ve never met a more positive medical staff who is there to help you succeed. 
 

will update again Thursday! 

[ANGCandidate2019]

Sorry for the delay to respond here....

 

I passed the MCT. Two big things to note here....

1) if you truly don’t have asthma, then you will not have any issue with this test. With the exception of my chest feeling a little weird at the very end, my spirometer breaths were consistent from 0 to all 5 doses of the Methacholene.

2) The team over at Internal Medicine is great and they try to encourage you and keep you positive and calm throughout the test. I really think their positive demeanor assisted me in performing well on the test.

As I’ve said before this entire experience is attitude driven for the most part. If you have the right mindset and keep a positive attitude and are respectful to the staff, they will do whatever they can to assist and make you more comfortable. 
 

 

I hope this helps you all. Feel free to send me a message if you have any other specific questions. All I have to do now is wait for the official approval and then get my dates for OTS and UPT. 

 

Edited October 26, 2019 by ANGCandidate2019