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.

On this episode we dust off things in the hangar, get ready for the prime of flying season, and discuss hot air ballooning ups and downs -- from what's required in an annual inspection to the angst of "aeronauts" having to obtain a Class II medical certificate.

Obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders are some of the most common conditions requiring Special Issuance Authorization clearance from the FAA.  On this episode, we hear from a sleep disorders expert followed by discussion on aeromedical implications.

In between carpet upgrades to the perch of the Aerospace Medicine practice on the 18th floor of the Gonda Building, we take some time to review a number of abbreviations that are used commonly in the aeromedical certification world -- but may not be familiar to pilots. 

The age for mandatory retirement for commercial airline pilots flying under Part 121 was raised to 65 years in 2007. A recent pitch to increase the age limit to 67 was voted down recently by the Senate Commerce Committee. What implications will this have on the pilot shortage, and what's the answer?

It's second nature to pre-flight with a checklist, but what about "pre-flight checklisting" yourself? On this episode we meet one of our talented nurses dedicated to helping pilots through the process of applying for a medical certificate and passing through this part of the journey unscathed.

On this episode, we pay tribute to our colleague Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn who was the master of ceremonies for the Clear Approach podcast but departed the "nest" for a better view at Delta Airlines. We launch our new format, and discuss being aware of colleagues and friends with mood issues that could lead to the unthinkable. NOTE: Potential sensitive topic of depression and suicidal ideation is discussed. 

In this episode, we review a surprisingly troubling condition for many unsuspecting pilots, ADHD. 

Get comfy for my adventure/horror story about EAA Airventure 2023. Then we go over the newest medication approved by the FAA for the treatment of depression.  

Im back after suffering a loss. After sharing my experience, I give some helpful hints for reducing the pain of Jet Lag. And then, Im off to EAA!

Its Podcast Reboot 3.0. And for this episode, we go over pain thats with you but behind you: back pain.  

My pain is your pleasure in this week's episode.  And I share some amazing new information from the FAA regarding medical certification for pilots on anxiety and depression medications.