Seasonal allergies treated by desensitization shots or the new non-sedating antihistamines should not be a problem. More serious allergies will require a list of drugs, doses, and treatments for a Special Issuance.
If the applicant has mild symptoms that are infrequent, have not required hospitalization, or use of steroid medication, and no symptoms in flight, the Examiner may issue an airman medical certificate, otherwise, the first application must be deferred to AMCD Aerospace Medical Certification Division of the FAA in Oklahoma City for Special Issuance. Once the Special Issuance has been obtained, the AME can reissue a certificate unless:
COPD requires a Special Issuance. Please bring a current status report including a pulmonary function test with an FVC/FEV1 no older than 90 days.
Chronic infections including abcesses, fungal infections, tuberculosis, etc., require a Special Issuance.
Pulmonary lobectomy (removal of part of a lung) require a Special Issuance.
Pulmonary Embolism history will require at least the following documents: Hospital admission and discharge summary, and a Current status report including:
Pulmonary fibrosis, if causing a diffusion capacity of no less than 75% and no functional impairment may be issuable. If diffusion capacity is less than 75% predicted, requires a Special Issuance. Bring your current lab test documents.
After a certain recent public relations mis-step, everyone has heard about obstructive sleep apnea. Despite the fact than public outcry beat back some new policies, sleep apnea is indeed a serious medical condition which leads to daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, poor oxygenation, heart failure, increased sensitivity to certain drugs, pulmonary artery hypertension and a shortened lifespan. It has indeed been on the "Disqualifying Conditions" list for more than 15 years. Falling asleep in the cockpit or getting hypoxic is not helpful to maintaining safe flight. The body mass index (BMI) is a simple screening tool to identify people who may have sleep apnea. If you have a BMI greater than 40, you might want to ask your doctor to check you out for this condition. Here is a link to a BMI Calculator for you to try on your own. You do not need to tell your AME the result. While the FAA has backed off prospective sleep testing for heavy pilots (BMI > 40 and a neck circumference > 17 inches) who are known to be at high risk for sleep apnea, if you have this diagnosis, you will require a Special Issuance.
Special Note: If your doctor orders a sleep study or a CPAP machine because you seem to have symptoms, it is very likely your medical insurance will cover the costs. If you walk into a sleep lab and say the FAA AMCD wants you to take the test, odds are, you will be on the hook for the full retail price!
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