|
Am I prohibited from exercising the privileges of my pilot certificate during medical deficiency?
Yes. The FAA's position on this is clear. Pilots are prohibited by federal law from acting as pilot-in-command or as a required pilot flight crewmember during any medical deficiency that would be disqualifying or may interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft. There is certainly room for a judgment call here. Our advice is to be conservative. If in doubt, don't fly. If you are facing a chronic problem, then find and consult with an AME.
A simple, self-limited problem such as a cold, a broken arm, or an abscessed tooth may require nothing more than the appropriate treatment and a little time before you can safely return to the skies. A more complicated problem or the development or change of a chronic illness will probably necessitate consultation with an AME or the FAA before resuming flying. In civilian aviation, new medical conditions don't automatically require a visit to the Flight Surgeon (AME), you can simply ground yourself (self-imposed flight restriction). When you do wish to return to flying; however, these new medical conditions will need to be reported to the FAA .
mEDICATIONS
AME’S are required to be aware of the regulations and Agency policy and have a responsibility to inform airmen of the potential adverse effects of medications and to counsel airmen regarding their use. There are numerous conditions that require the chronic use of medications that do not compromise aviation safety and, therefore, are permissible. Airmen who develop short-term, self-limited illnesses are best advised to avoid performing aviation duties while medications are used.
You will be asked to list all prescription and over-the-counter medications you currently use. The condition which the medication is treating is almost always the main issue with the FAA. The list of medications that will keep you on the ground includes anti-depressants, stimulants and any other drugs (or combination of drugs) that produces adverse side effects or treats a grounding medical condition.
Some medications or medical conditions that present no problem on the runway may have significant adverse effects at 10,000 feet. A good example is Benadryl, an over-the-counter cold medication, which is the most common drug found in the bodies of dead pilots. This drug (diphenhydramine) is in several other cold, cough and sleep preparations.
The FAA does not publish an official list of approved drugs. Pilots should read all prescription labels carefully, ask your physician or pharmacist about adverse effects and consult your AME to find out if a drug or the condition itself is acceptable to the FAA. An unofficial list of FAA approved medications can be viewed at: http://www.leftseat.com/medcat1.htm
|
