83
Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner Sergio B. Seoane, M.D., Col., CAP Chief, CAP National Health Service FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner

Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner. Sergio B. Seoane , M.D., Col., CAP Chief, CAP National Health Service FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner. AME – Aviation Medical Examiner. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Citation preview

Page 1: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Sergio B. Seoane, M.D., Col., CAP

Chief, CAP National Health Service

FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner

Page 2: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

AME – Aviation Medical Examiner

Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is a physician designated by the FAA and given the authority to perform flight physical examinations and issue aviation medical certificates.

AMEs are practitioners of Aviation Medicine

Many AMEs are also qualified in other medical specialties

The International Civil Aviation Organization have established basic medical rules for determining whether a pilot is fit to act in that capacity, and they are codified in Annex 1 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Must be a Physician to be an AME, cannot be ARNP or PA

Page 3: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Assisted Special Issuance Process (AASI)

A several years ago, FAA introduced the Aviation Medical Examiner Assisted Special Issuance process (AASI)

AASI permitted AMEs to issue applicants a special issuance certificate at the time of examination, provided the applicant had complied with a previously defined set of conditions.

The AASI process eliminated the wait time for a subset of airmen, but there were still a large number of pilots who had to wait for the FAA to make a decision in their case.

Page 4: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

New and Improved FAAAeromedical Certification

In 2011-2012, the Federal Air Surgeon, Fred Tilton MD decided to reduce the number of medical conditions requiring a special issuance.

Dr Tilton has identified 18 medical conditions that will no longer require a special issuance,

Protocols for 11 of them have been issued to AMEs

The rest will be published in 2013-2014

These 18 conditions account for 10 to 15 percent of the special issuances.

Page 5: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

April 2013 AME Changes

Conditions the AME Can Issue (CACI)

Conditions that previously required an initial FAA Special Issuance authorization before the AME could issue a medical certificate

Now, the AME is authorized to directly issue the medical certificate. The pilot does not need to wait to receive the Medical Certificate from the FAA

Page 6: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

April 2013 AME Changes

Conditions the AME Can Issue (CACI)

Arthritis

Asthma

Glaucoma

Hepatitis C

Hypertension

Hypothyroidism

Migraine

Chronic Headaches

Pre-Diabetes (IFG)

Metabolic Syndrome

Impaired Fasting Glucose

Glucose Elevation

Renal Cancer

Page 7: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

April 2013 AME Changes

The criteria and the required medical documentation has NOT changed

The only difference is that the local AME can issue the medical certificate without approval from FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division in Oklahoma City

This should result in the Airman obtaining the FAA Medical Certificate sooner

Page 8: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

April 2013 AME Changes

The recovery time after coronary artery stenting has been decreased from 6 months to 3 months

Page 9: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner
Page 10: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Legal Authority of Designated Aviation Medical Examiners

Title 49, United States Code (U.S.C.)

(Transportation), sections 109(9), 40113(a), 4701-44703, and 44709 (1994) formerly codified in the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended, authorizes the FAA Administrator to delegate to qualified private persons; i.e. designated Examiners, matters related to the examination, testing, and inspection necessary to issue a certificate under the U.S.C. and to issue the certificate.

Designated Examiners are delegated the Administrator's authority to examine applicants for airman medical certificates and to issue or deny issuance of certificates.

Page 11: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Domestic84%

Internationals9%

Military4%

Federal1%

Official2%

Chart Title

90countries

Aviation Medical Examiner Population(3,465 as of March 31, 2012)

5/7/12

(Includes Guam, Marshall Islands, Saipan, Pacific Island Trust Territories, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands)

AMEs who are pilots 47%Female AMEs 7.5%

Page 12: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Distribution of AMEs by Region

Alaska2%

Southern20%Eastern

11%

New England3%

Southwest12%

Official2%

Military/Fed6%

International9%

Central5%

Great Lakes14% Western Pacific

8%

NW Mountain10%

Chart Title

5/7/12

Page 13: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Similar to CAP Regions13

Nine FAA Regions

Page 14: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

5/7/12

AK CE EA GL NE NM SO SW WP Mil Intl Fed Off0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700AMEs

Senior AMEs

0%

100%

60% Senior AMEs

Distribution of AMEs by RegionAMEs/Senior AMEs

Page 15: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Distribution of AMEs by Medical Specialty

5/7/2012

Family Practice / General Practice 49%Internal Medicine 19%Aerospace Medicine 8%Occupational / Industrial Med 6%General Surgery 3%Ophthalmology 2%Emergency Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery,

Otorhinolaryngology, OB/GYN, Urology 1%

All others <1% (ea)

Page 16: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

AME Age Trends

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 201154

55

56

57

58

59

60

61

Average Age

Page 17: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Distribution of AMEs by Number of Medical Exams Performed Annually

01-

2526

-50

51-2

50

251-

500

501-

750

751-

1000

1001

-350

0

>3500

0.0

500.0

1000.0

1500.0

164

1496

690

1145

18770 31 52 2

Number of Exams

AM

E P

op

ula

tio

n

2/14/11

4.3%

39%

18%

30%

5%2%

0.8% 1.4% 0.05%

Percent of AMEs

Number of AMEs

Page 18: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

AME Distribution by Length of Service

2/14/11

AMEs

Senior AMEs

5 or < 6-10 11-15 16-20 21-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 >550

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Years of Service as AME

Nu

mb

er o

f A

ME

s

352

270

144

308

184

363 294

151

101

181

99

197

79

246

36

14164

23

70

18

18

41

0

Page 19: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner
Page 20: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

AME Exams – CY 2011

1/26/12

Class I Class II Class III0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000

120000

140000

160000

180000

200000

Exams Performed

AME Issued

AME Deferred

Page 21: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 '00

'01

'02

'03

'04

'05

'06

'07

'08

'09

'10

'11

100

200

300

400

500

Class I

Class II

Class III

TOTAL

Fiscal Year

# o

f R

eq

ue

sts

(1

00

,00

0)

Aeromedical Certification Requests

1095 applications per day (2011)

33,312 applications per month (2011)

1/26/12

Page 22: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Certificates Not Issued

AME Denied AME Deferred Reversed by AMCD

Special Issues

Issued by Appeal

0

2000

4000

6000

8000

10000

12000

14000

16000

Class I

Class II

Class III

56 18,971 632235,4211616

1/26/12

Page 23: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Most common causes for problems with issued certificates Jan to June 2011 compared to prior period

Block Description OccurrencesJuly–Dec 2010

OccurrencesJan–Jun 2011

17 Unacceptable Medication 7 13

58 ECG 15 21

18h High or low Blood Pressure 6 618V DUI 1

18a Headache 1 1

18M Mental/Depression 1

18X Rheumatoid Arthritis 1

18 g Heart Problem 1

18J Kidney stone 1 1

18u Admission to Hospital

18x Prostate cancer surgery, parathyroidectomy, cataract surgery

1

18D Retinopathy /DM on treatment 1

42 Arthritis 1

Please note that there can more than one error in a single case

Page 24: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Final Denials for 2011

Total Denials: 5,012

Denial for Failure to Provide or Failed to Pursue: 4,646

92% of Airman Fail to Provide info!

Final Denials (When all information requested is provided): 366

400,000 only 366 Denied by FAA .09%

1/26/12

Page 25: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Final Certification Denials

'01

'02

'03

'04

'05

'06

'07

'08

'09

'10

300

320

340

360

380

400

420

440

460

480

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

Total Applications Denial Ratio

# o

f A

pp

liat

ion

s (T

ho

usa

nd

s)D

enial R

atio (%

)

2/14/11

Page 26: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Medical CertificateTimeline

FIRST CLASS:• Airline Transport Pilots• Valid for 12 months under 40, 6 months 40 and over

SECOND CLASS:• Commercial Pilots, Flight Navigators and Flight Engineers• Contract Air Traffic Control Tower Operator• Valid for 12 months

THIRD CLASS:• Private and Recreational Pilots• Valid for 60 months under 40, 24 months age 40 and over

Page 27: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

FAA Authority to Disqualify1994, Bullwinkel vs. FAA & NTSB, challenged FAA authority to disqualify medications in absence of a disqualifying medical conditionAs a result, the Federal Air Surgeon was given the authority to deny any “medications or other treatment that (a) makes the applicant unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate that the applicant holds or for which the applicant is applying; or (b) may reasonably be expected, within 2 years after the finding, to make the applicant unable to safely perform those duties or exercise those privileges.”

Page 28: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Not everyone is Healthy

650,000 Pilots in the USA

400,000 Medicals Issued by FAA every year

They are not all healthy

The number of prescriptions for Type II Diabetes Drugs has doubled between 2002 and 2005, in children ages 5-19 years. From 0.3 per thousand to 0.6 per thousand.

There was a 106% increase in prescriptions for diabetic drugs in children ages 10-14 years from 2002-2005.

Page 29: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

How Healthy do you need to be?

You do not have to be very healthy

You need to be good enough

Kind of like being a pilot….

You need to be healthy enough so you are not going to suddenly become incapacitated while operating an aircraft

Key Word…”Sudden Incapacitation”

Page 30: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

FAA Concerns Aeromedical Significant

Disorders

Occurs suddenly or unpredictably

Is or may be incapacitating

Progresses at an unpredictable rate

May degrade flight safety

Page 31: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

The aviation environment is very complex and dynamic

Good Health is critical functioning is this environment.

Page 32: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Two key elements for safe flying

Aircraft PerformanceAirman Performance

Both need to be adequate

Page 33: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Medical Certification of AirmenSpecial Issuances – Cardiovascular (2005)

Problem Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 TotalBioprosthetic Valves

33 38 135 206

MechanicalValves

33 33 169 235

Pacemaker 37 53 276 355

Defibrillator 0 0 2 2

Page 34: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner
Page 35: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

FAA Policy on Medications FAR 61.53, prohibits acting as pilot-in-command or in any other

capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember if that person:

“Knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to meet the requirement for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation, or:

“Is taking medication or receiving other treatment for a medical condition that results in the person being unable to meet the requirement for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation.”

Page 36: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

FAA Policy on Medications

In addition, FAR 91.17, prohibits the use of:

“any drug that affects the persons faculties in any way contrary to safety.”

“Severe Head Cold” maybe a “medical deficiency” under FAR 61.53

Page 37: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Why the FAA Denies Certain Medications

Not exclusively the Medications, but rather the underlying medical condition associated with the Medications

Potential for Sudden Incapacitation

All Medications are evaluated based on this concept

Page 38: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Generally Disallowed Medications

AnticoagulantsAntiviral AgentsAnxiolytics (anti-anxiety)BarbituratesChemotherapeutic AgentsHypoglycemicMood Altering Antidepressants (exceptions, 4/2/2010: Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa), or Escitalopram (Lexapro) NarcoticsSedating AgentsAntihistaminesDecongestantsTranquilizers

Stimulants (Diet Medications)Experimental or Investigational MedicationsMuscle RelaxantsMotion SicknessAnticonvulsantsSteroidsLomotil

There is no “Official FAA Medication List”The condition is often the disqualifying issue, not the medication

Page 39: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Over The Counter Medications

Antihistamines and Decongestants

Any drug that produces drowsiness or other central nervous system effects and experimental or investigational drugs are prohibited

Page 40: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Medications NOT Authorized

Anticoagulants (Maybe Yes, Maybe No --but ASA, Plavix OK…warfarin/coumadin…it depends…often yes)

Mood Altering Medications

Sedatives

No investigational Drug Treatments

No one currently receiving Radiation Treatment

Anti-seizure Medications

Antidepressants (off smoking cessations medications for 30 days before flying is OK)

Except –need “SI”..Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa), or Escitalopram (Lexapro) 

Page 41: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

AOPA DatabaseThis database is compiled by the AOPA Medical Certification Department and is based upon confirmation with the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division in Oklahoma City. The list includes both allowed and non-allowed medications and, for the allowed medications, the conditions under which the drug is considered acceptable for flight duties. Although a medication might be listed as allowed, there are variables with each individual's situation that could render a particular medication inappropriate for flying because of case history or adverse side effects. For example, some medications are used "off label," meaning that a drug is prescribed for symptoms that do not fall within the FDA's approval guidelines for that drug. The FAA might not allow an otherwise acceptable drug in this circumstance.

http://www.aopa.org/members/databases/medical/search_faa_meds.cfm

Page 42: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

What the FAA doesn't know will not Hurt you

In a fatal crash, the remains of the crew will be tested for Prescription and Over the Counter Medications140,000 substances can be screened for by the FAA Civil Aerospace Medical InstituteIn General Aviation, several hundred substances are routinely screened for after an accidentIn Commercial Aviation, several thousand substances are screened forDNA in the future – Genetic Markers to determine: Fatigue, Lack of Sleep

Page 43: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

It’s a Crime to Lie or Mislead

Whoever in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact, or who makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or entry, may be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both" (Title 18 U.S. Code. Secs. 1001; 3571). TWO TYPES OF FALSIFICATIONIntentional False Statement – A False Representation of a Material Fact Made with the Knowledge of FalsityFraudulent Statement – A False Representation of a Material Fact Made with the Knowledge of

Falsity– Made with the Intent to Deceive and Relied Upon by Another

Page 44: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

FAA Form 8500-8

No more paper Form 8500-8Only online as of: 10/1/2012If you make a false statement..60 day suspensionRevocation of your MedicalThe revocation will always show up on your airman record, you will never get another Medical from the FAA

Page 45: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

FAA Policy Regarding Falsification

Revocation of BOTH Medical Certificate and Airman Certificate

Revocation of Airman Certificate because you the Lack of Qualification of Hold Airman Certificate

Page 46: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Honesty Best Policy

If you are taking a prohibited Medication and you LIE, and the FAA finds out, they may press charges, but you will NEVER get another Medical under ANY circumstances.If you are taking a prohibited Medication and you state the truth, your Medical will be denied, if you apply at a future date and are not longer taking the Medication, you will almost certainly be approved for an FAA Medical.FAA wants to encourage honesty, punish those who are not honest

Page 47: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Follow the Rules

If you Fly with prohibited substance, you are in violation of your Medical and FAA regulations

Any Life Insurance, Accident Insurance, Aircraft Insurance, Liability Insurance will no longer be valid since you are not in compliance with FAA Regulations

Page 48: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Certification of Airman

Approximately 400,000 applicants annuallyApproximately 25,000 Special Issuances per Year400 Pilots in USA with Diabetes requiring Insulin (3rd Class Medical) Cardiovascular conditions most common in AirmenFinal Denial are approximately 0.1%

Page 49: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Privacy of Medical Information

Within the FAA, access to an individual's medical information is strictly on a "need-to-know" basis. The safeguards of the Privacy Act apply to the application for airman medical certification and to other medical files in the FAA's possession. The FAA does not release medical information without an order from a court of competent jurisdiction, written permission from the individual to whom it applies, or, with the individual's knowledge, during litigation of matters related to certification. The FAA does, however, on request, disclose the fact that an individual holds an airman medical certificate and its class, and it may provide medical information regarding a pilot involved in an accident to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) (or to a physician of the appropriate medical discipline who is retained by the NTSB for use in aircraft accident investigation.

FAA Aviation Medical Examiner Guide, Version IV, July 31, 2005

Page 50: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Disqualifying Medical Conditions

1. Angina pectoris2. Bipolar disorder3. Cardiac valve replacement4. Coronary heart disease that has required treatment or, if untreated,

that has been symptomatic or clinically significant;5. Diabetes mellitus requiring insulin or other hypoglycemic

medication6. Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory medical

explanation of the cause7. Epilepsy8. Heart replacement 9. Myocardial infarction10. Permanent cardiac pacemaker11. Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly

manifested itself by overt acts12. Psychosis 13. Substance abuse and dependence; 14. Transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without

satisfactory medical explanation of cause

Page 51: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Did not pass your Medical?

SODA– Statement Of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) may be granted in

lieu of an Authorization– Medical condition or defect that is static and nonprogressive– One time test, usually not repeated

Assisted Special Issuance– For Disease Protocols

Special Issuance– An airman who is medically disqualified for any reason may be

considered by the FAA for an Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate

Page 52: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

One Eyed PilotOne Arm Pilot

Can you get a Medical with only one Eye or with one Arm?Can you get a Medical with Skeletal Deformities or after a Stroke?What about a Prosthesis?Deafness?For medical defects, which are static or nonprogressive in nature, a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) may be granted in lieu of an Authorization.

Page 53: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

SODA

Statement Of Demonstrated AbilityAt the discretion of the Federal Air Surgeon, a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) may be granted, instead of an Authorization, to a person whose disqualifying condition is static or nonprogressive and who has been found capable of performing airman duties without endangering public safety. A SODA does not expire and authorizes a designated Examiner to issue a medical certificate of a specified class if the Examiner finds that the condition described on the SODA has not adversely changed

In granting a SODA, the Federal Air Surgeon may consider the person's operational experience and any medical facts that may affect the ability of the person to perform airman duties including

Essentially a Flight Test performed by FAA Examiner

Page 54: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Cardiovascular Disease in Pilots

Disease 1st 2nd 3rd

Class Class Class

MI 420 3982916

CABG 373 358 3149

PTCA 385 295 1810

PTCA with Stent 477 390 2460

Page 55: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Cardiovascular Disease I

10,000 Pilots Flying in USA with Heart Disease with Special IssuancePacemaker, most pilots certified with Special Issuance (wait 2 mo & stress test)Heart Murmurs usually OK if evaluation negativeMost Valvular Heart Disease OK (Mitral Insufficiency, Mitral Regurgitation, MVP, Aortic Insufficiency, Aortic Stenosis)Atrial Fibrillation OKHypertension OK (30,000 Pilots fly with HTN on Medications)Coronary Artery Disease OK (if < 50% Lesion, LV ok, Stress Test normal)

Page 56: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Cardiovascular Disease II

Heart Attacks (MI), OK but need to wait 6 months, need cath and nuclear imaging – no ischemia

Heart Valve Replacement OK (wait 6 mo)

Page 57: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Medical Certification of Airmen

Special Issuances – Substance Abuse (2005)

Problem Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Total

Alcoholism 979 354 542 1,875

Drug Dependence

43 13 17 73

Page 58: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Medical Certification of Airmen

Special Issuances – Monocularity (2005)

Medical Condition

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Total

Monocularity 209 476 1,912 2,597

Page 59: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Medical Certification of Airmen

Special Issuances – Diabetes (2005)

Medical Condition

Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Total

Non-Insulin 493 988 3,819 5,300

Insulin 0 0 425 425

Page 60: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Epilepsy - Seizures

Generally Speaking - No Way

Sometimes possible, but this rare

Page 61: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Diabetes

Usually Possible

If no medications and Diet controlled – OK

If on medications, need Special Issuance

Page 62: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Commercial Space Flight

Orbital Crew– Crew: To Be Determined– Passengers: Medical Questionnaire with

physical examination and laboratory studies

Suborbital Flight– Crew: Second Class Medical Certification with

endorsement– Passengers: Medical questionnaire without

routine physical or laboratory studies

Page 63: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Authorization for Special Issuance of a

Medical CertificateGranted by the Federal Air SurgeonValid for a specified periodGranted to a person who does not meet the established medical standardsFederal Air Surgeon may consider the person's operational experienceIndividual must satisfy of the Federal Air Surgeon that the duties authorized by the class of medical certificate applied for can be performed without endangering public safety during the period in which the Authorization would be in force. The Federal Air Surgeon may authorize a special medical flight test, practical test, or medical evaluation for this purpose. A medical certificate of the appropriate class may be issued to a person who fails to meet one or more of the established medical standards if that person possesses a valid agency issued Authorization and is otherwise eligible. An airman medical certificate issued in accordance with the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR § 67.401), shall expire no later than the end of the validity period or upon the withdrawal of the Authorization upon which it is based.

Page 64: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Aeromedical Certification 2004

442,498 Applications Processed

12,076 Special Issuances (waivers) for significant medical conditions

Page 65: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

66

Airman Certification and Hypertension

American Heart Association

Normal BP < 120/80

Pre-Hypertension 120-139/80-89

Hypertension > 140/90

FAA- should not exceed, seated

155/95

Page 66: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

67

Initial Protocol for Hypertension

Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners

AME-- conduct an evaluation OR review report by the attending physician.

Personal and family medical history

Assessment of risk factors CHD

A clinical exam and 3 BP readings separated by 24 hours !

Resting EKG

Page 67: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

68

Initial HTN (Continued)Glucose, Lipid Profile, K+ and Creatinine

Medications used, dosage and adverse effects

Airman to wait 2 weeks upon initiation of medication or change in dosage

Summarize results of evaluation in box # 60

Page 68: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Can You Fly Without a Medical?

Glider and Free Balloon Pilots are not required to hold a medical certificate of any class. To be issued Glider or Free Balloon Airman Certificates, applicants must certify that they do not know, or have reason to know, of any medical condition that would make them unable to operate a glider or free balloon in a safe manner.

Page 69: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

January 21, 2011

Sport Pilot

Operational Limits

- Max. Gross Weight 1,320 Lbs.

- Max. Stall Speed 45 Knots

- Max. Speed 120 Knots

- Max. Two-Place

- Day VFR Only

- Single, Non-Turbine Engine

- Fixed Landing Gear

Page 70: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Sport Pilot (Continued)

Medical Requirements - FAA medical certificate or a valid U.S. driver’s license - An individual may not use a driver’s license if:

- A certificate was not issued with the individual’s most recent application;

- The individual’s most recent application has been denied, suspended, or revoked;

- The individual’s most recent Authorization for a special issuance medical certificate has

been withdrawn

Page 71: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Sport Pilot - Medical

Hold valid airman medical certificate or a current and valid U.S. driver’s licenseMust comply with each restriction and limitation on their U.S. driver’s license and any judicial or administrative order applying to the operation of a motor vehicle. Cannot have been denied the issuance of at least a third-class airman medical certificate (if they have applied for an airman medical certificate) Must not have airman medical certificate revoked or suspendedMust not have had an Authorization withdrawn (if they have ever been granted an Authorization) May not use a current and valid U.S. driver’s license in lieu of a valid airman medical certificate if they know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make them unable to operate a light-sport aircraft in a safe manner.

Sport pilot medical provisions are found under 14 CFR §§ 61.3, 61.23 , 61.53, and 61.303). For more information about the sport pilot final rule, see: http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/pdf89/289219_web.pdf LAST UPDATE: July 31, 2005

Page 72: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Antidepressants

Mild to moderate depression only - no history of psychosis or suicidal thoughts

4 authorized medications: Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Citalopram, Escitalopram

Special Issuance

- Single medication only

- Stable on medication for minimum of 1 year

- Close monitoring

Applications

- 17 in certification review process

- 3 denied

Page 73: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Which type of pilots do not need an

FAA Medical Certificate?

Free Balloon Pilots

Glider Pilots

Ultralight Pilots

Sport Pilots

Page 74: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Tips for your AME Medical Examination

Establish long term relationship with an AME

Take your flight physical 4-6 weeks prior to the expiration of your medical certificate

Bring all your medical documentation

Do not drink coffee or soda prior to exam…only water

Bring eyeglasses, hearing aids, seeing eye dog

Bring a list of all medications and dosage (the prescription bottle)

Page 75: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Tips for your AME Medical Examination

Make sure your vision is good, have your vision checked few weeks prior to flight physical, minimum is 20/40 for 3rd class, 20/20 for 1st /2nd class

If you do not feel well or are ill….do not take the flight physical, reschedule it

Check your blood pressure 4-6 weeks prior to your flight physical, must be < 155/95!

Once you start the flight physical exam never leave

Page 76: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Tips for your AME Medical Examination

Chose an AME that will be your advocate

Bring any doctors notes, MRI, CT and x-ray report, all recent ER Visits

Bring all recent lab reports and Hospital Records

Do not get your FAA Physical if you are ill or do not feel well

Be Patient…if you have a medical problem it will take time to collect and review the information

Page 77: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Tips for your AME Medical Examination

The vast majority of physicians do not understand anything about flying an aircraft and even less about the FAA Aeromedical Certification process

If you acquire a medical condition, call you AME 8-10 weeks prior to your medical. It is ok to make an appointment with an AME to review your medical status prior to obtaining your Flight Physical.

If possible, go to an AME that is a pilot, he/she will be sympathetic to your desire to keep on flying (my personal opinion)

Page 78: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

79

Office of Aerospace Medicine (AAM)Aviation Safety (AVS)

Federal Air SurgeonFrederick E. Tilton, M.D.

Deputy Federal Air SurgeonJames R. Fraser, M.D.

Civil Aeronautical Medical Institute (CAMI) Melchor J. Antunano, M.D.

Medical Specialties DivisionMichael Berry, MD

Headquarters New England Region

Regional Flight SurgeonPaul H. Clark, M.D.

Deputy Regional Flight SurgeonJoseph H. Ray, M. D.

Susan E. Northrup, M.D.

Southern Region

Page 79: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Medications Authorized by FAA

New Medications - Will authorize any medication if it has been out for ONE year

All Antihypertensive Medications OK

All Asthma Medications OK, including steroids (prednisone) if dose < 20mg qd

All anti-cholesterol Medications OK

Page 80: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Future Changes to FAA Aeromedical Certification

Special Issuance List (2014?)

Kidney stones

Carotid artery stenosis

Colitis

Irritable bowel syndrome,

Colon cancer

Bladder cancer

Leukemia

Hodgkin’s disease

Lymphoma

Page 81: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

AME

AEROMEDICAL CERTIFICATIONDIVISION, CAMI

FEDERAL AIR SURGEON

NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY BOARD

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGE FULL BOARD

U.S COURT OF APPEALS

SUPREME COURT

REGIONALFLIGHT SURGEON

Airman Medical Certification Review and Appeals Process

Page 82: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner
Page 83: Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Ask the Aviation Medical Examiner

Sergio B. Seoane, M.D., Col., CAP

Chief, CAP National Health Service

FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner