In a brief chat with ANN Thursday morning, EAA’s Aeromedical Advisory Council Chairman Dr. Jack Hastings stated there are two pressing medical issues facing the GA community today. 

First is the timely and reasonable turnaround time for issuance of medical certificates for pilots... an area both the EAA and FAA recently claimed some measure of success in, with FAA Admininstrator Marion Blakey's announcement Wednesday at AirVenture of an average wait in special issuance cases of 16 days.

“There has been remarkable progress in the timeliness as a result of EAA and the FAA’s efforts to reduce the backlog.” says Dr. Hastings.

The other issue is the inability of a pilot who has been denied -- or had their certificate revoked, to continue to fly as a Sport Pilot. 

In both circumstances, Dr. Hastings’ recommendations for avoiding trouble focus on preventative medicine. 

“Instead of treating a health problem, do what it takes to prevent the problem in the first place," said the good doctor. "Its’ really the same as preventative maintenance on an aircraft.

"Also, stay informed -- I urge all pilots to seek assistance from organizations such as the EAA Aeromedical Advisory Council.”

FMI: www.eaa.org