Published by Scott Warner on Wed, Feb 20, 2013
How healthy are you? This is a question we often ask ourselves; one that requires a hard, reflective look at life styles, personal habits, and medical issues. In the world of aviation, the overall health of a pilot is a major concern, reinforcing aviation's highest priority: safety. All pilots are required to obtain some type of medical approval. For those entering into the professional ranks of the piloting world, a class 1 medical is required. This type of medical exam is the strictest type of medical approval.
Prior to beginning a professional aviation training program, consulting with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is highly recommended. At Western Michigan University, which is a FAR Part 141 training institution, we encourage all students in our flight school to obtain their class 1 medical to ensure they are able to pass the examination required to be a professional pilot.
You aren’t sure where an AME is located or how to find one? Easy! Check out the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AME locator and pinpoint the nearest AME. Western Michigan University is proud to employ an AME, who is available to all flight students. Dr. Gregory Pinnell, Adjunct Professor at WMU's College of Aviation has an examination room here on campus, making medical exams easy and convenient for WMU students.
There are many exceptional resources available when researching flight physicals conducted by an AME.
- Pilot Medical Certification Questions and Answers
- Airmen Certification Frequently Asked Questions
- Health of Pilots
Find additional information about a career as a pilot in The Essential Pilot Career Guide
The Essential Pilot Career Guide
From the Flight Surgeon:
July 2013
From the Flight Surgeon
AirVenture at Oshkosh is coming soon! Many of us will be taking our
aircraft over Lake Michigan flying at high altitudes for safety. We
all know the FAA rules for oxygen usage. Flight crew must use oxygen
above 12,500 feet when the time at altitude is 30 minutes or longer. At
14,000 feet or above all aboard must use supplemental oxygen. The
reality is that hypoxic symptoms can start as low as 5000 feet at night
and 9000 feet during the day! If your trip takes you to high altitude
consider renting or purchasing a portable oxygen system to increase your
safety and make the trip more enjoyable!
We have a new High Altitude Lab at Western Michigan College of Aviation
which can simulate hypoxia symptoms to 30,000 feet. It is a great way
to increase your altitude awareness and learn your personal hypoxia
signs and symptoms. Contact us for more details.
Gregory Pinnell, MD
Senior AME/ Senior Flight Surgeon USAFR
www.airdocs.net
January 2013
"Is there anyone out there who has managed to miss the nasty respiratory bug that is going around? This time of year we frequently need to “self-treat” symptoms with over the counter (OTC) medications due to colds, flu or even the remains of seasonal allergies. Most of us know that many of these medications can cause drowsiness. The most common “relief” medication is Benadryl which is an antihistamine. It is often forgotten that the effects of this drug can last 4 hours and can take over 8 hours to get half of it out of your system. Pseudoephedrine is allowed by the FAA as a decongestant but it is always best to wait till all the symptoms are gone and you have been off the OTC’s for at least 24 hours before flying. Fly safe and keep the Kleenex nearby!"
February 2013
Big changes are coming in FAA Aeromedical Certification. The biggest will be a new program called Certificates an AME Can Issue or “CACI”. This will involve about 18 different medical diagnoses which previously were special issuance conditions generally requiring yearly documentation to go to the FAA. Now your AME will ask you for supporting medical documentation about your condition and, if you meet the criteria and are otherwise qualified, they can issue a normal duration medical certificate. The AME does not even need to forward the medical documentation to the FAA. The specific diagnosis have not been announced but they will likely show up in March 2013. This program will reduce waiting time for medical certification and free up FAA time for more complicated cases. Feel free to call or write if questions. Fly Safe!
Gregory Pinnell, MD
Western Michigan University, College of Aviation
Senior AME, Senior Flight Surgeon USAFR
989-245-4494
517-580-0970 Fax
Gregory Pinnell - About
Adjunct Professor - Western Michigan University, College of Aviation
Dr. Gregory Pinnell is a board certified family practitioner/Senior AME licensed in Michigan. He serves as a Senior Flight Surgeon for the 434th Air Refueling Wing, Grissom Air Reserve Base. Dr. Pinnell works with the Department of Defense Human Space Flight Support and has worked multiple Space Shuttle missions. He is a veteran of Operation Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom having been deployed to the Persian Gulf in 2002 and 2004. He was also deployed in support of the Balkan’s Operation Joint Forge. Dr. Pinnell serves as an adjunct professor for Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation.
