Pilots with disqualifying medical conditions are often eligible for FAA medical certification waivers through Special Issuance medical certification. The medical certificate typically provides the same authorization but can carry certain limitations such as the date of expiration. Typically this requires extensive documentation and decisions are made on a case by … Read More
For applicants who are just beginning Warfarin (Coumadin) treatment the following is required by the FAA:
◦Minimum observation time of 6 weeks after initiation of warfarin therapy;
◦Must also meet any required observation time for the underlying condition; AND
◦6 INRs, no more frequently … Read More
If there is one thing on which most pilots agree, it is their disdain for the FAA’s medical requirements. Some tests required by the FAA are invasive and expensive prompting even physicians to balk at the costs of providing flight-fitness proof. Cardiovascular testing is at the forefront of this controversy. … Read More
PILOT MEDICAL SOLUTIONS
Effective Flight Fitness Habits for Pilots
Be Proactive About FAA Medical Certification
Successful pilots plan ahead. LeftSeat.com offers practical tools to make that process smoother—checklists for choosing the right Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), practice FAA medical exams, and a searchable medication list with an inquiry portal to … Read More
MORE PILOTS FLYING DESPITE NEW PILOT DECREASE (revised June 2025)
Pilot Medical Solutions is helping more new pilots despite reductions in airman employment opportunities
June 23, 2025 – Following the Post-Pandemic Surge, airlines and corporate flight departments employment opportunities have decreased. However, the paradoxical influence on US citizens and the … Read More
Pilots in command, new and old: If you are a pilot who has lost control due to a medical certification issue usually Pilot Medical Solutions can help. If you or someone you know need help to get back in the left seat this … Read More
While the FAA is not requiring most previously approved pilots to take the new color vision testing, in some ways, color vision issues are as much a threat than it was in the past. Color Vision issues can still be an issue for several hidden reasons. As of January 1st, … Read More
The initial presentation of any carbohydrate metabolism disorder requires an evaluation be performed to establish eligibility for certification. This includes insulin or non-insulin dependent diabetes and the use of any hypoglycemic medication. FAA evaluations must be accomplished in compliance with specific protocols.
In most cases, an FAA designated Aviation Medical … Read More
COVID-19 — How the Corona Virus Pandemic is helping some pilots despite the virtual worldwide shutdown which has ensued.
The closure of many medical offices and the need for the FAA medical certification division to operate on a skeleton crew has grounded many pilots. Many of the pilots who have … Read More
10/24/2025
Government Shutdown Drives Surge in Private Aeromedical Consultations
Although many pilots have already felt the impact of reduced staffing at the FAA’s medical certification offices in recent years, the official government shutdown beginning October 1, 2025, has caused a sharp increase in calls to LeftSeat.com’s pilot help line.
More … Read More
Behavioral health is a prominent topic and pilot mental health is clearly an important matter. Many pilots know of the IMSAFE checklist but their use of it is far from universal. Pilots are generally confident and competent. Loss of medical certification and employment can reduce pilot’s interest in mental … Read More
The initial presentation of any carbohydrate metabolism disorder requires an evaluation be performed to establish eligibility for FAA medical certification. Once approved by the FAA, Insulin Dependant diabetics must monitor glucose levels during flight.
On January 16, 2014, Brian Otis and Babak Parviz, released information via Google’s Blog concerning a … Read More
