Handful of Conditions to See Different Treatment Going Forward

The Federal Aviation Administration released a substantial update to their Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners, shaking things up with a whole host of new industry consensus and refreshed policy regarding some common health conditions. 

Of major note in recent years, the FAA's mental health policy has drawn fire for being somewhat outdated and dissuading airpersons from seeking care. Now, for the first time, individuals with a history of certain diagnoses deemed "uncomplicated", which have been treated by psychotherapy and not medicated within 2 years can be given a medical certificate without a special issuance. That includes generalized and situational anxiety disorders, depressions, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorders.

The FAA also rolled out a "fast track" for those with a history pocked by an ADHD diagnosis. Those who had medications in the past 4 years, and no current symptoms, can obtain a medical certificate from a Medical Examiner after a report from a licensed mental health professional. 

Next up, the FAA rolled out a simpler recertification status sheet for those with coronary heart disease, allowing them to avoid expensive, and often out-of-pocket stress tests under some conditions. Stress testing will still be required upon initial certification, but the FAA will also accept a simple affirmation from the cardiologist that the condition has remained stable over the previous year. This was enough of a 'get' that the EAA called it a "major win for anyone with coronary heart disease who requires FAA medical certification."

Finally, an eye condition of lattice degeneration has been added to the protocol, allowing those who otherwise meet vision standards for the class of privileges sought can get a standard issuance from an AME. That doesn't cover anyone and everyone though, since complicated cases may still require a special issuance to keep flying. 

FMI: www.faa.gov