Drones and Pacemakers

R.Cowan · Oct 21, 2022

Recent health changes are resulting in recommendations from my doctor to have a pacemaker installed. Any pilots out there able to share if I should have concerns about the RC and possible interference with a pacemaker?

AlanL · Oct 21, 2022

The RC uses the same radio frequencies as public wifi. If you are fine around WiFi you should be fine with the drone controller.

R.Cowan · Oct 21, 2022

Thank you sir! I appreciate your input.

Avandriver · Oct 22, 2022

I have a pacemaker , I have not experienced any issues with my drone flying so far .

Repaid1 · Oct 22, 2022

R.Cowan said:
Recent health changes are resulting in recommendations from my doctor to have a pacemaker installed. Any pilots out there able to share if I should have concerns about the RC and possible interference with a pacemaker?

Your safe with "Drones" however one thing that has come to light recently is wireless charging for Phones/watches, there are reports of them Glitching some pacemakers...your doctor should tell you all the "What ifs" before implanting. I know it isn't funny but I had a buddy with a Pacemaker and defibrillator installed, we found out on accident once what happened when he was to close to the Microwave. It kept firing the defib, we had to drag him out of the house (Not sure why we didn't shut of Micro?). Wasn't funny then, but we did chuckle and joke about it to this day. They have made great strides since then, I wish you well.

R.Cowan · Oct 22, 2022

Avandriver said:
I have a pacemaker , I have not experienced any issues with my drone flying so far .

Thank you Avandriver!

YVRGUY · Oct 22, 2022

Just stay clear of strong electro magnetic

fields…otherwise you’re good to go.

mooncusser · Oct 22, 2022

If you find yourself flying instead of the drone, try turning the remote controller around.

Dale D · Oct 22, 2022

R.Cowan said:
Recent health changes are resulting in recommendations from my doctor to have a pacemaker installed. Any pilots out there able to share if I should have concerns about the RC and possible interference with a pacemaker?

I searched several sites and it seems as though you would be just fine. Just Google the question, "Can I fly a drone wearing a pacemaker?" There are many articles, and they are all saying it is safe.

Dale Davis, M.D.

GregS · Oct 22, 2022

R.Cowan said:
Recent health changes are resulting in recommendations from my doctor to have a pacemaker installed. Any pilots out there able to share if I should have concerns about the RC and possible interference with a pacemaker?

As a former Pacemaker Company Rep, you don't have to worry. The big scare were microwave ovens. I would tell them the only way it would affect them was if they climbed in too.

retiredNH · Oct 22, 2022

Listen to your cardiologist...if (s)he's not sure, ask that they consult the pacemaker mfgr.

R.Cowan · Oct 23, 2022

Repaid1 said:
Your safe with "Drones" however one thing that has come to light recently is wireless charging for Phones/watches, there are reports of them Glitching some pacemakers...your doctor should tell you all the "What ifs" before implanting. I know it isn't funny but I had a buddy with a Pacemaker and defibrillator installed, we found out on accident once what happened when he was to close to the Microwave. It kept firing the defib, we had to drag him out of the house (Not sure why we didn't shut of Micro?). Wasn't funny then, but we did chuckle and joke about it to this day. They have made great strides since then, I wish you well.

Thank you Repaid1, I appreciate you sharing that information. I too am possibly looking at a pacemaker and defibrillator. I kept thinking of the possibility of something like that happening while flying. I feel much better with the information I'm getting back from my fellow pilots, but will gather more from the Dr.

R.Cowan · Oct 23, 2022

mooncusser said:
If you find yourself flying instead of the drone, try turning the remote controller around.

I appreciate the humor! Really do...need some laughter in my life!

R.Cowan · Oct 23, 2022

Dale D said:
I searched several sites and it seems as though you would be just fine. Just Google the question, "Can I fly a drone wearing a pacemaker?" There are many articles, and they are all saying it is safe.

Dale Davis, M.D.

Thank you Dale! I appreciate your information.

R.Cowan · Oct 23, 2022

GregS said:
As a former Pacemaker Company Rep, you don't have to worry. The big scare were microwave ovens. I would tell them the only way it would affect them was if they climbed in too.

Thanks Greg...the feedback I'm getting seems to be all positive and making me feel much better about being able to continue doing what I love.