CASE STUDY - FO. G MOCKUNAS
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PROFILE
| Name | FO Grant Mockunas |
| Age | 39 |
| Family | Wife, 1 child |
| Medical Condition | Heart Valve Repair |
AVIATION CAREER
I commenced my initial training in Bendigo, Victoria in 2008. After completing my CPL and Instructor Rating, I initially instructed in Wagga Wagga. In 2012, I moved to Cairns for a full-time role at North Queensland Aero Club. I stayed with the club until 2014 where I completed a Grade 1 Instructor Rating.
Seeking to broaden my horizons I made the move into charter flying in the Torres Strait. I managed to obtain my first airline position with Jetstar New Zealand Regional in 2015 as a First Officer. In 2017, I moved to Virgin Australian on the B777 as a Second Officer, before making a move to Qantas in 2018. I underwent promotional training to First Officer in 2019 and currently fly the B737.
WHAT WAS YOUR GENERAL HEALTH PRIOR TO YOUR MEDICAL CONDITION?
My health was good prior to my diagnosed medical condition. I exercised regularly and was active outdoors.
WHY WERE YOU GROUNDED?
I presented asymptomatic at my aviation medical in late 2022. Upon routine testing my DAME identified a faint Heart Murmur. Further testing revealed that I had a malfunctioning heart valve which required repair.
I was immediately grounded pending urgent surgery. Surgery took place in December 2022, seven weeks after initial diagnosis. Given the nature of my condition and the surgery, I was grounded for minimum of six months post-surgery. Following this period, I was required to complete a full Class 1 medical with additional testing requirements.
WHY IS LOSS OF LICENCE COVER SO IMPORTANT?
The MBF Loss of Licence cover was instrumental in providing financial stability and surety for my family. Given the timing of my medical diagnosis, the MBF cover provided piece of mind during what was an uncertain and stressful period.
MBF EXPERIENCE
My experience with the MBF team was above reproach. My initial consultations with Christine and later Michelle and Linda, were a seamless process. The paperwork and medical documentation gathering, while a formality, was met with genuine care and a guiding hand by the MBF team. My wife and I had welcomed our baby boy into the world a week after my diagnosis and felt assured that we would have financial stability given the support of the MBF team.
