High On Health: Do You Have A Valid Medical - by Dr. Bill Blank Instrument Flight: The Human Factors In Instrument Flying -

by Dr. Bill Blank, MD

Copyright 2021. All rights reserved!

An airman will sometimes say “I am going to quit flying when this medical expires. I can’t pass the next one.” If you can’t past the next one, is your current medical valid? Why can’t you pass the next one? Your medical is valid the day it is issued, with the assumption that nothing will change during its period of validity, and that you will stop flying if something significant arises. What can render a medical invalid varies with the type of medical; regular FAA Medical, Basic Med, or Sport Pilot (driver’s license).

14 CFR § 61.53 Prohibition on operations during medical deficiency applies to all pilots regardless of the type of medical. When you become aware that you have a condition, are taking medication, or treatment for a condition that makes you unable to meet the requirements for your type of medical certificate, you must stop flying. If the condition is temporary, something like a broken arm, and resolves, you may resume flying when you have recovered. In any case, with certain exceptions, you do not need to report it to the FAA until your next medical. For holders of regular FAA Medicals, there is a list of mandatory disqualifying conditions. They are Angina Pectoris, Bipolar Disorder, Coronary Artery Disease that has required treatment or is symptomatic, Diabetes Mellitus that requires insulin or oral medications, Disturbance of Dr. Bill Blank Consciousness without adequate explanation, Epilepsy, Heart Transplant, Myocardial Infarction, Permanent Cardiac Pacemaker, Personality Disorder manifested by overt acts, Psychosis, Substance Abuse, Substance Dependance, Transient Loss of Nervous System Function, and Valve Replacement. When you become aware of any of these conditions, your medical is immediately invalid. In many cases, certification is