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 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

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

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 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

New Pilots

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

FAA Aviation Basic Medical Rule

Pilots in Command

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

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

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

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 Breakdown

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

Government Shutdown

6/24/2025

Although many see the FAA medical medical certification offices as being effectively shut down due to staffing cuts, pilots can still receive answers to their aeromedical questions from Pilot Medical Solutions.  The FAA Medical certification division is not completely shut down. It is true that FAA personnel have been Read More

Wellbutrin XL 300

Psychiatric Conditions | FAA Medical Certification

Wellbutrin XL 300While the FAA does not strictly evaluate the behavioral health of pilots during routine medical certification examination, they do require applicants to voluntarily report all mental issues since birth. The FAA has approved Special Issuance authorizations for some Class 1, 2 and 3 airmen who are taking a select few … Read More

Google Contact Lens FAA Medical

Google Contact Lens Glucose Sensor FAA Medical

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