FAA Medical | Special Issuance

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

Cardiovascular Issues Pilot Certification

The Heart of a Pilot

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

Federal Aviation Administration

FAA Policy Update

Federal Aviation Administration

1. Pilots on Coumadin (Anticoagulation therapy)

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

Danger Disguised - Protective Intelligence is available.

Danger Disguised – Hidden Vulnerability in FAA Medical Certification

 

 

Many resources appear helpful to pilots navigating the FAA’s medical certification maze, but danger often hides behind good intentions. The reality is that most of these resources—despite legal or medical credentials—have little experience dealing with the FAA’s intricate, unforgiving certification system. Success requires more than professional training; it … Read More

Seven Highly Effective Flight Fitness Habits

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

New Pilots

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

FAA Aviation Basic Medical Rule

Pilots in Command

pilot in command
Flying left seat is where it’s at!

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

Pilot Color Vision

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

Diabetes | FAA Medical Certification

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