Guidelines (Including asthma and allergies)

Pulmonary—Guidelines (Including Asthma and Allergies)

The FAA allows certification at all classes for histories of asthma that cause only mild, seasonal symptoms. Periodic use of most inhaler medications are acceptable on a case by case basis. You can download the CACI Asthma Worksheet and show it to your treating doctor who will provide you with the needed information outlined on the sheet.  Then, take the worksheet and the medical reports to your AME who will confirm that everything on the worksheet meets the guidelines and can issue your certificate at the time of the FAA physical examination.

Cases involving more serious episodes must be deferred to Oklahoma City for review. A history of frequent severe attacks is disqualifying.

Moderate to severe cases will usually require a detailed report by a specialist that includes the extent of disease, type of medications required and dosages, side effects, duration of present therapy, nature and severity of residual symptoms, hospitalization history, and likelihood of incapacitation. Pulmonary function studies may also be needed. If issued, certain restrictions and special followup evaluations may be required.

Other lung diseases, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be disqualifying, although certification is possible in some cases. Full medical evaluation, including pulmonary function studies, will usually be needed to determine certificate eligibility.

Single episodes of spontaneous pneumothorax are disqualifying until there is radiographic evidence of resolution and determination can be made that there is no condition present that could likely lead to recurrence. A repeat episode of pneumothorax is disqualifying until surgical intervention has been completed to correct the underlying condition. A recovery period of at least 3 months is needed before recertification can be considered. Usually, there is no altitude limitation placed on the certificate.

Applicants with a history of pulmonary embolus may be recertified after review of hospital records, test results, and doctors' reports. If anticoagulation medication (Coumadin) is used, the FAA will also require reports of pro thrombin times or International Normalized Ratios (INR) blood clotting studies for at least the past 6 months showing acceptable clotting times. Generally, these values for pulmonary embolus should be between 2.0-3.0.

AASI for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

After initial certification by FAA staff doctors, subsequent renewals qualify for AME Assisted Special Issuance (AASI), a process that provides examiners the ability to issue an airman medical certificate to an applicant who has a medical condition that is disqualifying under 14 CFR Part 67.

The authorization letter received from FAA, granted in accordance with part 67 (14 CFR Part 67.401), is accompanied by attachments that specify what information the treating physician(s) must provide for the renewal issuance.

Examiners may issue renewal of an airman medical certificate if the applicant provides the following:

• An authorization granted by the FAA
• A current status report performed within 90 days that must include all the required follow-up items and studies as listed in the authorization letter and that confirms absence of recurrent disease

The examiner should defer to the AMCD or Region if there has been any recurrence or progression of the disease.

How/Where to Submit to the FAA

Helps you find the contact information for submitting your medical records.

Updated July 1, 2016