Pilots with disqualifying medical conditions are often eligible for FAA medical certification waivers through Special Issuance medical certification. The medical certificate, and Special Issuance authorization, typically provides the same operational piloting authority but can carry certain limitations such as the date of expiration. Typically this requires extensive documentation and decisions … 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 certification process. There is almost always a seemingly unreasonable delay to process anything with the Aeromedical Certification Division and some tests required by the FAA are invasive and expensive prompting even physicians … 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 November 2025)
Pilot Medical Solutions is helping more new pilots despite reductions in airman employment opportunities
June 23, 2025 – The government shutdowns always fun, the subsequent backlogs create a solid choke-point. Following the Post-Pandemic Surge, airlines and corporate flight departments employment … Read More
If you are a pilot who has lost the privilege to fly as Pilot In Command due to a medical certification issue, Pilot Medical Solutions wants to help. If you or someone you know need help to get back in the left seat, … 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
FAA standards and medical requirements are constantly changing. 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.… Read More
COVID-19 — The Corona Virus still presents potential FAA medical certification problems for many pilots. Pilot Medical Solutions has been fielding many calls from pilots and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for previous sickness can be tricky. Some pilots have discovered alternatives to the increasingly long wait for government … Read More
11/25/2025
Government Shutdown Drives Surge in Private Aeromedical Consultations
Although many pilots feel the impact of reduced staffing at the FAA’s medical certification offices in recent years, when there’s a full-blown official government shutdown this causes a sharp increase in calls to LeftSeat.com’s pilot help line. There are several reasons … 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
Many new technologies are being utilized to help diabetics. The FAA protocol for Type One Diabetics requesting unlimited Class One and Class Two FAA medical certification requires the use of Continuous Glucose Monitoring devices. The initial presentation of any carbohydrate metabolism disorder requires an evaluation be performed to establish eligibility … Read More
