Some year-and-a-half ago my physician recommended that I take a sleep study. Some preliminary exam (overnight finger-carried monitor) indicated that a few times per night my oxygen level dips below 91% (and one time below 81%). He indicated that this might be caused by sleep apnea. I ignored that recommendation as my sleeping had improved and I didn't want to spend money and time on the full-blown sleep study. Six months after that I started my PPL training. As it was not an issue, I didn't even think about it when I got my 3rd Class med certificate.
My soon-to-be-ex wife had recently found my old correspondence with my doctor and, out of pure vindictiveness, denounced me to the FAA. I received a letter giving me 60 days for addressing this issue. Here are my questions:
- Does anyone at this forum has a mild case of sleep apnea and is still flying (i.e. has a valid third class med)?
- Is the dip in the oxygen intake an 'sure proof' of sleep apnea?
- Are there any other types of SA than Obstructive SA that are not viewed as dangerous by the authorities (the regs specifically mention OSA)?
- Is there any recommended treatment that may still make the med cert possible even if I have a mild case of SA?