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 the Bruce Protocol Stress Test?
Exercise stress testing is a safe, non-invasive coronary artery disease (CAD) screening test. The Bruce Protocol Stress Test is a common exercise stress test used to evaluate a pilot’s cardiovascular fitness. The test requires a person to walk on a treadmill for three-minute intervals. At the end of each interval, the speed and incline increase.
The test begins with a 10% incline at 1.7 miles per hour (mph). After three minutes, the speed increases to 2.5 mph at a grade of 12 percent. The incline and speed increase every three minutes until the person reaches a specific stage goal or target heart rate. The test ends immediately if the person begins to show any signs of arrhythmias or other adverse conditions.
An examiner may advise an individual taking medications to inhibit heart rate response that they need to stop taking the medications for 48 hours before the test. Examples include calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, or digitalis-type medications. However, you should always consult the physician who prescribed the medication before discontinuing medication or skipping doses.
What Are the FAA Requirements for Passing the Bruce Protocol Stress Test?
The FAA expects a pilot to spend a minimum of nine minutes on the treadmill to pass the Bruce Protocol Stress Test. The pilot should also achieve 100% of the predicted maximal heart rate (PMHR) based on your age (220 minutes your age).
However, you may receive your medical certificate without reaching 100% of the PMHR. According to the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners, the AME cannot issue a medical certificate if the exercise stress test:
- Has a PMHR less than 85%;
- The person does less than nine minutes on the treadmill if they are under the age of 70 years; or,
- The person does less than six minutes on the treadmill if they are 70 years old or older.
Therefore, you can get a medical certificate with a PMHR between 85% and 100% if you meet all other requirements. Staying on the treadmill as long as possible demonstrates maximum effort. However, a person should not ignore signs of distress because it could lead to a life-threatening situation.
What Happens if My FAA Medical Certificate Is Denied?
If your FAA pilot medical certificate is denied, you have several options to respond. Generally, applicants have 30 days to file an appeal with the FAA for a denied medical certification. In some cases, a pilot may file an appeal with the Federal Air Surgeon for a denial issued by the Office of Aerospace Medicine.
An appeal to the NTSB may be possible if the Federal Air Surgeon issued the denial. The exact process of appealing an FAA airman medical certificate denial depends on several factors, including whether the FAA medical denial is based on a specifically disqualifying condition.
It is essential that you act quickly to appeal a denial of an FAA medical certification. The appeals process can be complicated. The FAA may send multiple requests for additional information. Having an experienced pilot lawyer on your side can give you the best chance of successfully appealing an FAA denial of medical certification.
A Nationwide FAA Pilot Attorney Can Help
A denial of your FAA medical certification may not be the end of your flying career. An experienced FAA aviation attorney can help you prepare an appeal that includes all relevant information, including:
- A complete medical history that includes all details regarding heart conditions or circulatory problems, including details about treatments and medications you receive and how they are performing.
- The results of lab work, including blood chemistry, fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, serum cholesterol, etc.
- Family medical history, including information about close family members diagnosed with cardiovascular or heart conditions.
- Social and personal history that includes your recreational habits and programs for physical fitness. It should also include a history of smoking and/or drinking. This section is a good place to include changes you have made to improve your health.
If you have a heart attack, you must disclose that information to the FAA. Talk with a lawyer about your legal rights and options for medical certification after a heart attack.
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