Mayo Clinic Clear Approach

Send us a textHepatitis C is a viral infection of the liver that often involves no specific symptoms --  until it is too late.  On this episode, we cover a pathway to FAA medical certification in pilots who contract this sneaky virus.

Send us a textOn this episode, we visit with soon-to-be retired Executive Director of the Aerospace Medical Association, Jeff Sventek.  His insights from more than 30 years in the United States Air Force along with 15 additional years guiding the leading specialty organization for Aerospace Medicine culminate with the annual Scientific Meeting scheduled in Atlanta the first week of June.  We will get a sneak peak of the meeting and ask about his vision for the future of the specialty.

Send us a textOn this episode, we discuss a pilot who was charged with making false statements on the FAA medical application form and what implications that might have including possible jail time or fines.  How does one balance the need to be complete with that of unnecessary worry about missing a non-relevant medical visit?

Send us a textOn this episode, we review the recently announced FAA strategy for hiring more air traffic controllers -- all while addressing the first pollen burst of the year and how pilots can navigate using antihistamines and other medications without jeopardizing their medical certificate.

Send us a textAt the latest AME Grand Rounds, medical examiners heard updates from the FAA regarding a recent listening session in which a variety of aviation-related organizations provided insight into how the FAA's medical divisions could improve -- and they're listening.  On this episode, we review the updates from the latest information session provided to AMEs by the agency, plus meet one of the Mayo Clinic fellows in training within the Aerospace Medicine program.

Send us a textAlthough a very common condition,  the presence of glucose intolerance or what the FAA calls "pre-diabetes" can result in medical certification --  and in some cases, does not even require Special Issuance Authorization.  What are the newer drugs allowed and what is required to obtain or keep your medical certificate?

Send us a textThe Human Intervention and Motivational Study, also known as the HIMS Program is an occupational substance abuse treatment program dedicated to helping all pilots return to the cockpit or flight deck. HIMS-trained AMEs, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists in conjunction with employers, union representatives, and other support organizations work together to evaluate and support pilots with substance disorders or dependence, or other mental health conditions. On this episode, we discuss the program as well as lessons learned from the recent Advanced HIMS Seminar held in Louisville, Kentucky.

Send us a textEpisodes of syncope or loss of consciousness can result from something as simple as a brief fainting episode -- up to the level of a severe head injury.  How it's documented and the testing required for FAA purposes can be critical. On this episode, we discuss the aeromedical implications of syncope and stand down times depending on the various severity of head injuries as well as a less common condition known as transient global amnesia (TGA). What testing is required and what information will the pilot with a loss of consciousness need to track down to have a successful journey towards flying again?

Send us a textOn this episode we review the technology of coronary artery CT scanning and CT angiography. Although used as an effective screening tool for certain individuals, is this imaging something that pilots should pursue?  What happens if an elevated coronary calcium score is identified?  Will a pilot still be able to retain their medical certificate, and how much additional testing might be required?

Send us a textThe FAA medical application, Form 8500-8, is completed electronically through the electronic platform called MedXPress. Are you ready for your next flight physical? What potential pitfalls are there with filling out the application form and how can you prevent those? We cover some of the most common applicant questions as well as places on the form that pilots can potentially get in trouble.

Send us a textOn this episode, we review aeromedical certification consequences of passing kidney stones.  Major issue or just a "small pebble" in the shoe of a long aviation career?  Plus, we break down the new Air Force One Boeing 747 plagued by delays and cost overruns.

Send us a textOn this episode we cover some of the topics discussed at the recent FAA aviation medical examiner grand rounds such as more information on color vision screening and CACI qualification for "low T," and we meet the newest addition to the Mayo Clinic aeromedical team.

Send us a textFrom stories of a pilot getting knocked out by a wild horse while walking along a beach to discussing the details of aeromedical certification with bladder cancer, this episode has a little bit of everything.

Send us a textOn this episode, we discuss bundle branch block and what is required if a heart transplant is required for severe cardiac disease.  What is bundle branch block? Is it a deal breaker? And is it even possible to get a medical if a pilot experiences a condition that requires a heart transplant?

Send us a textOn this episode, we discuss what pilots need to be prepared for after undergoing heart valve repair or replacement.  How long is the stand down time?  What tests are needed? What should the cardiologists say in their note in order to avoid sabotaging the chances for a medical certificate?

Send us a textOn this episode, we look at a common condition unfortunately experienced by many pilots -- whether flying recreationally or for a living -- coronary artery disease.  What tests are needed and how can a pilot be adequately prepared through the process of obtaining a Special Issuance Authorization?  Do you really need to get a coronary angiogram after a stent is placed?  What type of stress test do I need? Are there any tricks to being ready and what is the earliest a pilot can see their AME to get a new medical?  

Send us a textIt's not just the crazy weather headaches to tackle, but some pilots deal with chronic and sometimes severe headaches that can affect aeromedical certification.  On this episode, we discuss what medications are allowed by the FAA, which are not, and how best to report chronic headaches during the flight physical. 

Send us a textLast month, the FAA announced changes in screening for color vision deficiency.  On this episode we discuss what pilots will be directly affected and address some of the common questions being asked right now by our patients and aviation medical examiners across the country. What tests will be allowed? What happens if my AME doesn't have one of the new approved computer-based color vision screening tests? What happens if I have a color vision waiver now with a Class III medical and want to move up to a Class I or Class II certificate?

Send us a textMayo Clinic's Section of Transportation Medicine was joined recently by U.S. Air Force flight surgeon and FAA Senior AME Dr. Sheyna Gifford. On this episode of the podcast, she discusses her philosophies and approaches to a successful flight physical -- and the importance of professionalism in pursuing an aviation career. 

Send us a textOn this episode, we review changes coming to color vision screening for pilots after January 1, 2025, plus chat with Mayo Clinic optometrist Dr. Muriel Schornack to learn more about everything eyes -- from glaucoma suspects to aviators with cool glasses.

Send us a textThis week the FAA announced significant changes in screening for color vision deficiency, and also declared a change in how the agency will interface with pilots in the future -- expect more denial letters coming in the mail after the first of the year.

Send us a textOn this episode we take a look at the current updates on Basic Med announced this past week by the FAA, and also look at a new "fast track" process for adjustment disorder that may allow pilots originally having to go through an extended mental health evaluation be rapidly certified by their aviation medical examiner.

Hemochromatosis is an iron storage disease that affects not only the liver, but also the heart, kidneys, and central nervous system.  Although not the most common condition, it is often associated with a genetic abnormality -- and those with the gene are typically unaware of it until middle-age.  The key is in screening for it --  before it becomes a significant medical problem.  What about pilots who have hemochromatosis?  Can they be certified?  What is the process?  This episode covers the details of this condition and the potential aeromedical pitfalls.

Male hypogonadism, otherwise known as "low T" is a common diagnosis received by adult males, including those who operate aircraft.  Many medical providers who prescribe testosterone supplements do not "speak airplane," making aeromedical certification challenging in certain cases.  What does it take to obtain or maintain a medical certificate when prescribed supplemental testosterone?  We discuss the details.

Ever wonder what can be annoying to your aviation medical examiner?  On this episode, we pick a few favorites and jokingly review the top "pet peeves" on the list.

Although a relatively rare type of cancer, testicular carcinoma affects thousands of individuals each year.  On this episode, we discuss what it is and what is required for aeromedical certification.

Although breast cancer can be devastating for any individual being diagnosed with the disease, the aeromedical certification process has come full circle and allowed for pilots to obtain their medical certificates relatively easily with appropriate preparation and documentation of clinical stability.

On this episode, we discuss a couple of conditions not commonly seen in pilots but which can make a difference in terms of aeromedical certification.  We look at pectus excavatum, otherwise known as "funnel chest," and how pilots with speech impediments can still qualify for their FAA medical certificate.

LADA, or latent autoimmune diabetes of adults, is often misdiagnosed and is sometimes called "diabetes 1.5." On this episode, we'll review what LADA is, what to look for, and how it affects aeromedical certification.

Pacemakers are amazing devices that can help regulate heart rhythms, synchronize arrhythmias, and can be career saving for certain pilots.   On this episode, we discuss certification requirements for aviators who will need Special Issuance Authorization for pacemakers.  A little preparation goes a long way.

Psoriasis is a chronic and incurable condition involving the skin that is sometime associated with arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.  There are a variety of treatments for this disease and we discuss aeromedical implications to minimize delays in certification. 

In the process of conducting dozens of flight physicals, there are questions that periodically come up when filling out the medical application form.  On this episode, we review some of those head-scratching anecdotes and how to efficiently complete the process.

On this episode, we review aeromedical certification requirements for a relatively uncommon disease called hemochromatosis --  a condition that involves elevated iron levels in the blood that can result in liver failure and may affect multiple other organs. Screened and taken care of early, it is completely controllable but left unchecked, can result in significant problems.  We review the treatment and what is required of pilots with this condition.

In this episode, we go single pilot and cover one of the most common valvular heart issues -- mitral valve regurgitation. For stable established cases of mild severity, a pilot might not even need Special Issuance Authorization.  CACI qualification is possible, and if appropriate testing is obtained ahead of the time of the flight physical, aeromedical certification is a streamlined, painless process.

Drones, love 'em or hate 'em, are here to stay. The FAA announced groundbreaking approvals this week for commercial drone operations of delivery packages involving unmanned aircraft outside the sight line of drone operators -- paving the way for packages to be delivered remotely to your doorstep using drones operated by pilots miles away. With these changes come issues and a litany of considerations -- from safety to airspace congestion to cooperation of competing firms sharing the same airspace. Kidney stones are estimated to affect one in 10 individuals and are a common source of aeromedical certification questions from pilots. On this episode we also discuss what these stones are, how they are produced, and how they are diagnosed and treated. Then we cover how to prepare when it comes time to reporting a kidney stone on your FAA medical application. 

On this episode, we reflect on EAA's AirVenture 2024, Boeing's forecast for the future of personnel needs in the field of aviation, and CACI qualification criteria for chronic Hepatitis C.

One of the most common medical conditions encountered by pilots is elevated blood pressure.  On this episode we discuss what is allowed for maximum blood pressure levels, what medications are approved, and the options available to pilots who find themselves dealing with hypertension.

Mitch and Clay return from vacation and step back up to the Clear Approach podcast microphone. On this episode, they discuss updates to the FAA's approach to "uncomplicated" anxiety and depression, review the FAA streamlining efforts for re-certifying pilots with Special Issuance Authorization related to coronary artery disease and more.

Most of us take for granted the bean-shaped organs located along our flanks that are responsible for filtering the blood and maintaining fluid balance in the body.  But what happens when things go wrong with the beans?  How will this affect aeromedical certification for pilots?   This episode covers current requirements for obtaining and maintaining your medical certificate  for individuals with kidney issues.

Several announcements this week to FAA aviation medical examiners by the agency will significantly decrease the burden on pilots with certain uncomplicated mental health conditions,  eliminate the need for exercise stress tests for renewal of Special Issuance Authorization for pilots with coronary artery disease -- and other streamlining efforts are on the horizon.

The presence of a tremor has, in the past, delayed efforts of pilots to become medically certified.  Use of CACI criteria now streamlines the process.  In this episode, we review what is required and touch base on the new FAA reauthorization bill that was signed into law last week.

Pilots often forget to report arthritis or musculoskeletal injuries on their FAA medical application.  On this episode, we walk.....er, tiptoe....through the process of reporting these common conditions and what is allowed by the FAA to maintain your flight physical.

The Aerospace Medical Association (ASMA) is the largest gathering of aviation and aerospace experts in the country with its recent annual meeting concluding in Chicago this week.  We discuss some of the highlights and then review recent FAA updates regarding use of certain medications for weight loss.

Asthma is a common condition in the general population and is often worse during allergy seasons in the spring and fall. Is being diagnosed with asthma a significant barrier to obtaining a medical certificate?  We discuss stages of asthma severity and how FAA medical certification may be affected.

Atrial fibrillation is the most prevalent treated heart arrhythmia. We meet with a cardiology expert to discuss assessment, treatment, and new trends in taking care of the condition -- and then review your pathway to aeromedical certification.

The thyroid is often considered the "black box" gland -- not only to patients and pilots, but also to their providers.  In this episode, an expert in thyroid disease helps navigate common thyroid conditions, and we discuss the resulting aeromedical implications.  Can a pilot still get a medical with thyroid problems, and, if so, what limitations will there be on the certificate?

On this episode we review current events --  from three new antidepressant medications announced by the FAA as allowable for aeromedical certification to a recent report released by the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) regarding advances in mental health disclosure and certification.

Diabetes is a condition that not only can affect your health, but also your FAA aeromedical certification.  On this episode we interview an expert in diabetes who is also a pilot to learn more about detection, treatment, and ultimately, how to preserve your medical certificate.

Operation of remote unmanned aircraft, otherwise known as drone operation, has become the fastest growing segment of aviation in the country.  What does it take to become a drone pilot and do you have to have a medical certificate to fly one?

One of the most common issues affecting pilots is that of visual acuity.  On this episode, a Mayo Clinic optometrist covers the most common eye issues facing pilots. Are those aviator shades worth it?  Should pilots be worried about cataracts or glaucoma, and what about monovision correction or LASIK? Listen to find out....

Although almost everyone experiences ups and downs of mood and attitude, some pilots encounter mental health conditions that require detailed assessments and testing in order to qualify for their medical certificate.  In this episode, we visit with Mayo Clinic psychiatrist Dr. Greg Couser to better understand what goes into these detailed evaluations and how aviators can best prepare for the process.