Aviation Blog

July 24, 2026 | FAA Medical News

Is Clonidine a Disqualifying Blood Pressure Drug for Pilots?

Understanding Why Clonidine Raises Red Flags at the FAA Key Takeaways: Clonidine is generally treated as disqualifying for pilots because it is a centrally acting agent that falls outside FAA-approved antihypertensive categories. The agency approves alpha and beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, direct vasodilators, and diuretics, but clonidine’s sedation, […]

July 23, 2026 | FAA Medical News

How the June 2026 FAA AME Guide Update Changes Heart Transplant Certification

What the June 2026 AME Guide Update Actually Changed Key Takeaways: The June 24, 2026 revision to the FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners restructured Item 36 (Heart) and introduced a transplant disposition table that reshapes how heart transplant recipients pursue certification. Like the faa sleep apnea compliance form process, cardiac special issuance now requires […]

July 22, 2026 | Pilot Law

How the FAA Uses the National Driver Register to Find DUIs

Why the FAA Already Knows About Your DUI Key Takeaways: The FAA discovers DUIs through the National Driver Register (NDR), a federal pointer system run by NHTSA that all 50 states and the District of Columbia participate in. FAA Form 8500-8 includes consent authorizing the NDR to release your driving record. The NDR points the […]

July 20, 2026 | FAA Medical News

What Blood Pressure Medications Does the FAA Accept for Pilots?

How the FAA Views High Blood Pressure in the Cockpit Key Takeaways: The FAA accepts five categories of antihypertensive drugs: ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha-adrenergic blockers, and other agents. The threshold is 155 mm systolic and 95 mm diastolic. AMEs can issue certificates the same day when pilots use three or fewer […]

June 17, 2026 | Uncategorized

What Happens If a Pilot Fails to Report a DUI to the FAA?

The Ison Law Firm is based in Florida and represents pilots nationwide. Failing to report a DUI to the FAA can trigger consequences far more severe than the original offense itself. When pilots receive a DUI conviction or face license suspension due to alcohol or drug-related incidents, they must navigate complex federal reporting requirements that […]

June 5, 2026 | FAA Medical News

FAA Sleep Apnea Compliance: What Pilots Need to Know About OSA Documentation

OSA Documentation That Pilots Need to Know The Ison Law Firm is based in Florida and represents pilots nationwide. For pilots with obstructive sleep apnea, FAA medical certification often comes down to one question: can you prove that your condition is being effectively treated? Pilots dealing with OSA should be familiar with the FAA’s Obstructive […]

June 4, 2026 | Pilot Law

Shy Bladder During a DOT Drug Test: Why Leaving Early Counts as a Refusal

What Every Pilot Needs to Know About DOT Drug Testing and Shy Bladder Refusals The Ison Law Firm is based in Florida and represents pilots nationwide. Key Takeaways: For pilots subject to DOT drug testing, a shy bladder situation is not a free pass to leave the collection site early. Under 49 CFR § 40.191(a)(2), […]

June 1, 2026 | FAA Medical News

The New FAA OSA Treated Status Report: What Changed for Pilots in 2026

The Ison Law Firm is based in Florida and represents pilots nationwide. On May 27, 2026, the FAA released a significant update to its Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) Guide, introducing a new Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Treated Status Report under the AME ALERT section. For pilots managing sleep apnea, pursuing initial certification, or navigating Special […]

May 29, 2026 | FAA Medical News

How to Keep Flying While Taking Blood Pressure Medication

Flying on Blood Pressure Medication: What Pilots Need to Know The Ison Law Firm is based in Florida and represents pilots nationwide. A hypertension diagnosis does not have to end your flying career. Thousands of pilots manage high blood pressure while maintaining valid FAA medical certificates. The key lies in understanding which medications the FAA […]