Your time is valuable – depend on me to review options and recommend affordable premium choices to best meet your needs. As world-famous oil field firefighter Red Adair cautioned wisely: “If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”
ROUTINE DISCOMFORTS … CONTROLLING THEM TO FLY SAFELY
Every day, before every flight, take a “time out” for an honest personal review …
“IM SAFE” Checklist:
The IM SAFE checklist forces pilots to check themselves as any of these factors, individually or in combination, significantly degrade decision-making and flying abilities
An excellent summary of “Fitness for Flight” by CFI Notebook reviews these factors and offers appropriate general solutions:
https://www.cfinotebook.net/notebook/aeromedical-and-human-factors/fitness-for-flight
A comprehensive review of Stress and Stress Management is presented by SKYbrary:
https://skybrary.aero/articles/stress-and-stress-management-oghfa-bn
A “real-life” summary of coping with common difficulties that affect the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of pilots, “Pilot Wellbeing: The Lived Experience Of The Pilot,” is presented by SKYbrary:
https://skybrary.aero/sites/default/files/bookshelf/5669.pdf
An excellent discussion for Understanding Pilot Fatigue is offered by SAFE, the Society of Aviation and Flight Educators:
https://safepilots.org/2016/04/understanding-pilot-fatigue/
Both serious medical conditions and routine discomforts can pose unexpected risks to performance of pilot duties. Regardless of the “hacks” and suggestions provided for each of these conditions, proper (and even continuing) medical evaluation and needed treatment is essential for your safe exercise of pilot privileges. “Self-care” is no substitute for actual and adequate treatment where needed. Be smart – Be safe – Be healthy – Be flying!
In every instance, definitive diagnosis by an appropriate general physician or medical specialist is important, for determination of likely causes, functional limitations, possible specific treatments, and awareness of future complications. Compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations is critical, and in many cases special issuance of a medical certificate can be obtained so you can continue flying. As a leader in the field of integrative medicine, I have enjoyed helping many patients to improve considerably, to live more comfortably, and to look to live longer by employing simple protocols (“hacks”) without FAA-disqualifying drugs or surgery, often easily allowing waivers so you can enjoy flying for years to come.
BLOOD AND BLOOD-FORMING TISSUE DISORDERS
GENERAL INFECTIONS
AND SOME BONUS PERSPECTIVES ….. CLICK ON THESE:
And One More Special Perspective for You:
MEDICATIONS – YOU AIN’T NO “DRUGGIE” BUT …
The Federal Aviation Regulations include no specific references to medication usage. FAR 61.53 prohibits acting as pilot-in-command or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while that person:
Further, FAR 91.17 prohibits the use of “any drug that affects the persons faculties in any way contrary to safety.”
The FAA generally disallows certain types of drugs that are continuously used for treatment. These include, but aren’t limited to, anticoagulants, antiviral agents, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety), barbiturates, chemotherapeutic agents, experimental, hypoglycemic, investigational, mood altering, motion sickness, narcotic, sedating, antihistaminic, steroids, or tranquilizers.
However, there is no official FAA “list” of drugs that is available to the public. Virtually all drugs have the potential to cause adverse side effects in some people. That’s one reason why so many medications carry the generic warning to avoid operating heavy machinery or motor vehicles while using the drug. These warnings pose obviously greater significance for flying. While some individuals experience no side effects with a particular drug, others may be noticeably affected. Since each person’s response is different, the FAA has to consider the worst possible reaction to a drug in evaluating the decision to allow flight duties.
Some of the most commonly used OTC (over-the-counter without prescription) drugs, antihistamines and decongestants, have the potential to cause some of the most noticeable side effects and may well be disqualifying as a result. The symptoms associated with common upper respiratory infections, even a bad cold, will usually suppress a pilot’s desire to fly, and treating symptoms with a drug that causes side effects only compounds the problem. And not just medications used by prescription or OTC: a bad head cold may be a “medical deficiency” under the regulations.
Any drug that produces drowsiness or other central nervous system effects and experimental or investigational drugs are prohibited. These medications include narcotic analgesics, stimulants, sedatives, hypnotics, amphetamines, barbiturates, anti-anxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, and antipsychotics (neuroleptics). Among the drugs classified as stimulants is Ritalin, which is used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD). Lithium carbonate, used to treat certain types of depressive disorders, may be allowed after careful case evaluation.
All antidepressants are disqualifying. However, four SSRI’s, Prozac, Lexapro, Celexa, and Zoloft may be considered for special issuance authorization. Anticonvulsants, including phenytoin (Dilantin) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) are disqualifying because of the specific medical history that may include a prior seizure, seizure-like event, or risk of seizure.
AOPA’s medication database
Find out the FAA’s position on medications in this database compiled by the AOPA Pilot Information Center. The status of some medications changes from time to time so check back periodically. The database information is verified with the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division in Oklahoma City.
If you do not see a particular medication in the database, call the AOPA Pilot Information Center, 800/USA-AOPA (872-2672), and speak with one of the medical certification specialists.
AOPA has a well-researched review: Pilot’s Guide to Medical Certification
AOPA members have access to their Medical Certification Specialists:
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources
EAA has an Aeromedical Advisory Council, a group of senior FAA Aviation Medical Examiners who serve as a reservoir of aeromedical expertise to EAA members:
AirDocs is a private aeromedical support service that provides FAA flight physicals, medical consulting, and other assistance with regard to pilot medical certification:
Pilot Medical Solutions is another private premier company providing confidential medical support:
A number of law firms around the country claim experience with FAA procedures and standards and specialize in assisting people with aeromedical certification issues. Obtaining counsel earlier in the process, when difficulties are first encountered, could contribute to a favorable outcome.
You’ll likely find this boring … but I include these details only to reassure you that recommendations based on my extensive background, related experience, and specialized judgment are worthy of your attention.
All said and done, I do have very definite ideas about solving pilot problems …
I didn’t just read about neat ideas, I was chief medical officer for Texas International Airlines before they bought Continental, which ultimately became United Airlines.
I didn’t just read about neat ideas, I was a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner for the FAA for 12 years – I never had an application for a waiver denied – I resigned to do more research on these advanced solutions and hacks I’m sharing with you today.
I didn’t just read about neat ideas, I’ve flown 1400 hours all around the county in my antique Ercoupes.
I didn’t just read about neat ideas, I was corporate medical consultant for 53 oil and heavy industry manufacturers in north Houston, for physicals, injuries, and return-to-work rehabilitation.
How’s this: my ideas are better than just general practice prescribing …
I didn’t just read about innovative approaches, after almost 4 dozen years of clinical practice I’ve been recognized as a Marquis Who’s Who Top Doctor in Advanced Medicine.
I didn’t just follow other’s footsteps in a well-beaten trail – in my pioneering career of developing better ways, I am listed in over five dozen volumes of Who’sWho and I received the Marquis Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award.
I’ve been more than just a dues-paying member – my professional colleagues have bestowed upon me the distinction of Fellow of the American College for Advancement in Medicine … and also the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award of International College of Integrative Medicine … and as more than just an aside, Chairman of the Board of the National Health Federation.
I didn’t just dream up good ideas, I’ve produced over five dozen CDs and DVDs on various topics in integrative medicine (www.healthCHOICESnow.com) and I lectured at airshows for years on how to regain and maintain your medical.
I don’t just “talk” about my innovative practices, I’ve written hundreds of brochures, dozens of articles, and several books – and unlike what we’ve become used to, I have never needed to change a word – among them are …
The Yeast Syndrome – Bantam Books continuing bestseller (since 1986)
Sick and Tired – 2017 update to The Yeast Syndrome Do What You Want To Do – treating all joint pains without surgery
Chapters in bestselling books including with these authors …
Jack Canfield famous for the Chicken Soup for the Soul series,
Internationally acclaimed author/speaker Brian Tracy,
and None other than the iconic media host Larry King.
Ascending to the Flight Levels: paramount recognition as the featured cover article in the preeminent journal, the Townsend Letter: “Still Missing Diagnosis of the Yeast Syndrome?”
Do I really have “new ideas” on many topics …
I didn’t just read about them, I’ve discovered, developed, and shared better solutions with doctors around the world – my original research on so-called “sleep apnea” since 1993 has solved many problems without CPAP.
I didn’t just hear continuing medical education lectures, I have served as program chairman or professor-in-chief for over 2 dozen professional programs and I have given dozens of invited lectures to doctors and patients around the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Taiwan.
I didn’t just have tunnel vision to rely only on my earlier training, I was awarded a Diplomate in Preventive Medicine for master’s level studies in nutritional medicine (Medical Research Institute, Florida Institute of Technology).
I didn’t just limit my intensive studies to a small pie-slice of human ailments, I served not only as president of the International College of Integrative Medicine but also as president of the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine and …
I have gained internationally-recognized credentials in detoxification treatments (chelation therapy) to remove toxic heavy metals to help reverse degenerative diseases of heart/brain/other organs as well as in non-surgical treatments for sports/accidents/other injuries and all joint/neck/back pains.
I didn’t just read about Metabolic Syndrome/”Pre-diabetes” – the discoverer was a friend of mine since 1968 at Stanford. I didn’t just join in beating the drums for “INFLAMMATION,” I was one of the first to write about its critical role in causing all diseases – in 1993!
Others claim “the same” expertise in a number of areas – really?
As a National Merit and California State Scholar, I studied molecular biology at Stanford, graduating with a bachelor’s in biological sciences … and considerable experience in creative writing as well. During my pre-med studies, I assisted with research into making more effective vaccines and undertook graduate courses in immunology. Along the way, I trained as a medical laboratory technologist, receiving the highest certifications (A.S.C.P. and California State), and later I managed quality control for a Kaiser Hospital laboratory.
Half-a-dozen of my professors were Nobel Prize winners – another two dozen were members of the National Academy of Sciences – and I learned advanced literature search strategies at the National Library of Medicine, from the creator of PubMed search. My radiology training was under Harold G. Jacobsen, M. D., in the Bronx – one of the early giants in radiology.
While studying at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, I produced a series of 12 color videotapes on congenital heart disease; my training in blood disorders and cancer was at the National Institutes of Health. Post-graduate studies in general surgery (Mt. Zion Hospital and Medical Center, San Francisco) and urological surgery (kidneys and bladder at The University of Texas, Texas Medical Center, including the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center) gave me surgical perspectives rarely seen in general medical practice.
To further hone my skills in research techniques, I served for 10 years on an FDA-authorized Institutional Review Board, approving applications for clinical studies … or not!
I didn’t just read about this distressing condition needlessly grounding pilots, I was one of the first to popularize understanding of “Auto-Brewery Syndrome” – “drunk without drinking” because gut microbes make alcohol then absorbed into your bloodstream – a totally controllable infection described in my 1986 book, The Yeast Syndrome!
I don’t just “boast a good line,” my career-long successes speak for themselves across so many usual and unusual conditions that steal your health, worsen your suffering, and finally take your life – no matter who claims “advanced” or whatever, there’s no substitute for experience and proven accomplishment.
I seem rather passionate about flying as well as medicine …
First of all, I found my medical training to be sadly lacking – “fighting disease” rather than “restoring better health.” So – I’ve spent a lifetime learning ways of promoting health, realizing that your body functions very much like an airplane, it does just exactly what it is supposed to do in the situation.
Second, I didn’t just watch planes flying overhead, I felt them in my bones: my Dad was a B-36 command pilot, and the Air Force base often vibrated with engine run-ups for hours before launch.
Third, reading Wolfgang Langewiesche’s outstanding classic, Stick and Rudder, during my ground school studies, I was entranced by his description of the “safety airplane” – that was the non-spinnable Ercoupe just being marketed in 1940. (Yes, the very first time I saw one, I bought it … on credit!)
Finally, I have enjoyed “basic flying” in my Ercoupes so much since 1977, I made it my mission to keep as many pilots flying safely as possible. Serving as an Aviation Medical Examiner (Senior for 12 years), I never had an application for a SODA/”waiver” ever rejected, thanks to patient recoveries with my innovative integrative “medical”/health approaches that I now share with you!
Like what you see? – Want me to become your doctor?
Certainly, if you’re interested in a future of optimal health regardless of your current situation – you can visit in person near Houston or you can schedule a teleconsultation to start (and even continue) management. Just
DIAL 1-800-FIX-PAIN
(1-800-349-7246) to start your planning with one of our Treatment Consultants!
Share this with your friends … so they too are CLEAREDFORTAKEOFF (dot)(info)!
And there you have it – “Over to departure, g’day!”
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The most inspiring aviation poem ever written – details you never knew but will forever relish
Stuff for hours of hangar flying discussions, I’ll be adding materials to address these in coming months and years – Please feel free to send me your suggestions and hacks!
