Jeff Taylor
by Jeffery Taylor, Aviation Consultant
Typically, in this column and many other flight training publications, you will find articles on keeping your stick and rudder skills proficient. While maintaining proficient flying skills is a key element in flying safely, don’t underestimate the importance of staying medically proficient.
Fitness for flight is something everyone should take seriously. Whether you are an airline captain required to hold a First Class Medical, or Sport Pilot who, while not required to obtain an FAA medical certificate, must determine before each flight if you are medically fit to operate your aircraft in a safe manner, it is the responsibility of all pilots to ensure that their current health in no way jeopardizes the safety of a flight.
With age, we must become more aware of the many challenges we face in maintaining our health. Cardiovascular disease is the number one reason for a pilot to be denied a new medical certificate and the problem is growing. From 1972 to 1982 the FAA denied 843 medicals, while in the last three years the FAA denied almost 6,000.
The following medical conditions are specifically disqualifying under 14 CFR Part 67. However, the FAA may exercise discretionary authority under the provisions of Authorization of Special Issuance, to issue an airman medical certificate.
• Angina pectoris;
• Bipolar disorder;
• Cardiac valve replacement;
• Coronary heart disease that has required treatment or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant;
• Diabetes mellitus requiring insulin or other hypoglycemic medication;
• Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause;
• Epilepsy;
• Heart replacement;
• Myocardial infarction;
• Permanent cardiac pacemaker;
• Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts;
• Psychosis;
• Substance abuse and dependence;
• Transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory medical explanation of cause.
Of the 14 disqualifying conditions for a medical certificate listed above, seven are related to heart and diabetes, both conditions that can be positively combated through nutrition and exercise.
Nutrition to the body is analogous to fuel in your aircraft. High-quality calories help your body perform better, just as high-quality gasoline helps an airplane run smoothly. A morning exerciser who eats complex carbohydrates before a workout, such as oatmeal and fresh berries, will have fuel that lasts the length of a moderately vigorous workout. The oatmeal’s insoluble fiber also helps lower cholesterol, and the berries have antioxidants that help repair cellular damage. The exerciser who chooses a bowl of high-sugar cereal is consuming calories devoid of nutrition, and may experience a spike in blood sugar followed by a feeling of decreased energy.
Regular exercise is as important to your body as proper nutrition. Inactivity can lead to conditions such as osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity. Exercising five to six days a week may increase bone density, maintain clear arteries, strengthen the heart, increase endurance and reduce everyday fatigue. Exercise provides an energy boost that may help you reduce anxiety and get better-quality sleep. Exercise can also help you stay active as you age by keeping your muscles strong and your joints flexible.
Every week we see new stories describing the growing problem of obesity in America as food portions increase and time spent exercising decreases. But you can influence your medical proficiency with consistent exercise and proper nutrition.
