Board Review Course - Study Materials (Study Questions, Slides and Reference Materials)-Clinical Aerospace Medicine Study Materials

Clinical Aerospace Medicine Study Materials

Pdf Summary

The Clinical Aerospace Medicine course aims to impart knowledge on FAA medical certification disqualifying conditions, FAA medication policies, and the certification eligibility process for complex medical and psychiatric cases. Detailed objectives include understanding specific disqualifying conditions, the FAA's stance on medications, and eligibility determination for complicated medical cases.<br /><br />Following are some key points discussed in the MOC questions:<br /><br />1. **Disqualifying Conditions**: Specific conditions like permanent cardiac pacemaker are explicitly disqualifying under 14 CFR Part 67, while depressive disorders, sickle cell disease, and AIDS are generally disqualifying but not specifically listed.<br /><br />2. **Hypertension**: For certification, a blood pressure of up to 155/95 is permissible according to the AME Guide.<br /><br />3. **Medication Philosophy**: The FAA focuses more on the underlying condition rather than the medication itself, does not release an approved medication list with the FDA, and allows occasional use of sleep aids with specific restrictions.<br /><br />4. **Melanomas**: AMEs can issue certification if melanoma is less than Breslow 0.75 mm.<br /><br />5. **Vasovagal Syncope**: Symptoms include nausea, repetitive yawning, deep breathing, and others as per ASAMS guidelines.<br /><br />6. **Spontaneous Pneumothorax**: The primary concern is recurrence, with significant recurrence rates after initial episodes.<br /><br />7. **Diabetes**: Diabetics on well-controlled oral hypoglycemics can be granted Special Issuance.<br /><br />8. **Renal Colic**: Stones under 8-10 mm typically pass without major issues, and certification can be issued if no residual stones are present.<br /><br />9. **Hearing Concerns**: Normal hearing thresholds and noise exposure levels are defined, and even completely deaf airmen can be certified with certain restrictions.<br /><br />10. **HIV**: Airmen require neurocognitive tests, and the FAA considers certification based on overall health and medical history.<br /><br />11. **DVT**: Acute pulmonary embolism is rare in healthy outpatients, and treatment considerations are important for certification.<br /><br />12. **Refractive Errors**: Certification nuances consider the impact of correction methods on vision quality.<br /><br />13. **Eye Standards**: Specific visual acuity requirements are necessary for various classes of medical certification.<br /><br />14. **ECG Findings**: Interpretation of treadmill tests in the presence of bundle branch blocks, and other diagnostic criteria are discussed.<br /><br />15. **SVT**: Definitions, causes, and implications of SVT on certification are outlined.<br /><br />16. **Pregnancy**: Recommended radiation exposure limits and FAA stance on pregnancy-related disqualification are provided.<br /><br />17. **Acoustic Neuroma**: Discusses symptoms like vertigo and tinnitus, and the epidemiology of the condition.<br /><br />18. **Glaucoma**: Potential threats to vision and consequences if untreated are highlighted.<br /><br />19. **Sinusitis**: Common causes and specific concerns related to barotrauma are explained.<br /><br />20. **Anemia**: Conditions under which pilots can be certified are detailed, based on hemoglobin levels and cause of anemia.<br /><br />The document references textbooks and manuals, including the 3rd edition of "Fundamentals of Aerospace Medicine," the FAA's Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners, and ASAMS practice guidelines.

Keywords

FAA medical certification

disqualifying conditions

medication policies

complex medical cases

hypertension certification

melanomas

vasovagal syncope

spontaneous pneumothorax

diabetes Special Issuance

neurocognitive tests