Aviation Blog

April 1, 2025 | Pilot Law

FAA and Diabetes: Can Pilots Have Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects tens of millions of people worldwide. A common question that arises is whether individuals with diabetes can pursue or maintain a career as a pilot. The answer depends on the type of diabetes and the applicable aviation regulations. In the past, a diabetes diagnosis, particularly one requiring insulin, […]

March 24, 2025 | Aviation

FAA Medical Exam Checklist

Becoming or staying a pilot often means completing an FAA medical exam. This exam helps ensure you have the physical and mental skills to fly safely. A denied or delayed medical certificate can stop you from flying or even lead to legal trouble. To keep your pilot’s license in good standing, it’s necessary to handle […]

March 21, 2025 | Aviation

Vision Requirements for Pilots

If you want to become a pilot, you likely know that there are significant training and licensing requirements. Did you know there are also vision requirements for pilots? Pilots have an extremely important job, and they must be able to see clearly to perform their job properly. If you are thinking about becoming a pilot, […]

March 18, 2025 | FAA Medical News

BasicMed Requirements

The FAA requires pilots to obtain a medical certificate to fly. An FAA medical certification is issued after an examination by an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). An FAA medical certificate demonstrates the pilot’s physical fitness to operate an aircraft. However, you might be able to fly even though you do not have an FAA […]

March 18, 2025 | FAA Medical News

What Is the Bruce Protocol Stress Test?

Pilots must have a medical certificate proving they meet the physical requirements to operate an aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets the physical fitness standards for pilots. Cardiac-related issues are potentially disqualifying conditions for pilots. Several tests, including the Bruce Protocol Stress Test, may be used to determine a pilot’s cardiac health. What Is […]

February 14, 2025 | FAA Medical News

Can Pilots Fly After Donating Blood?

Donating blood is an act of kindness that saves lives, but for pilots, it raises important safety questions. Flying requires clear thinking and full physical ability, and donating blood can cause temporary changes in the body that might affect these skills. Let’s explore what pilots need to know about flying after giving blood. Why Donating […]

February 6, 2025 | FAA Medical News

FAA Medical Certification with Autism

Curious about obtaining FAA medical certification with Autism? Neither Autism Spectrum Disorder (“ASD”) nor the subtype of Asperger’s syndrome are discussed in the FAA’s The Guide for Medical Examiners. Moreover, as of the time of this writing, you won’t find any specific protocols published by the FAA relative to ASD. Be that as it may, […]

January 23, 2025 | Aviation

FAA Approved Allergy Meds

Millions of people suffer from seasonal allergies. Allergies can result in mild to severe symptoms, including coughing, nasal congestion, throat irritation, watery eyes, sneezing, and runny nose. The symptoms can interfere with concentration, sleep, and performance. Operating an aircraft when experiencing the consequences of allegories can be extremely dangerous. Many people take prescription or over-the-counter […]

January 9, 2025 | FAA Medical News

Updates to FAA Color Vision Protocols

Effective January 1, 2025, there have been updates to FAA color vision protocols. If you do not meet the FAA’s color vision standards, you risk having a restriction applied to your FAA medical certificate. Previously, the FAA’s protocol for assessing your color vision was to have your Aviation Medical examiner (“AME”) administer one of a […]

December 12, 2024 | FAA Medical News

Changes to the FAA Medical Deferral

The FAA has announced changes to the FAA medical deferral process. In an announcement made to Aviation Medical Examiners (“AME”), the FAA has reportedly identified that starting on January 1, 2025, the initial response from the FAA to applicant’s whose applications for airman medical certification have been deferred to the FAA will change. Currently, at […]