I have been privileged to contribute articles for the “High On Health” column in Midwest Flyer Magazine for more than 10 years, assuming the reins left by Dr. John Beasley,…
Author: Dr. Bill Blank, MD
Columnist William A. Blank is a physician in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and has been an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) since 1978, and a Senior AME since 1985. Dr. Blank is a retired Ophthalmologist, but still gives some of the ophthalmology lectures at AME renewal seminars. Flying-wise, Dr. Blank holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and has 6000 hours. He is a Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) and has given over 1200 hours of aerobatic instruction. In addition, Dr. Blank was an airshow performer through the 2014 season and has held a Statement of Aerobatic Competency (SAC) since 1987. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame in 2021.
Medical Certification Improvements?
As many of you already know, on December 4, 2024, the FAA announced two major changes to the medical certification process. Having attended many Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) conferences this…
AME Issuance After a DUI
Recently the FAA published a “Pilot Minute” YouTube video about AME’s ability to issue medical certificates after an applicant has had a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) violation. I thought…
Alcohol and Cancer
Recently, I became aware that some researchers felt there was a link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of cancer. Over the years I had wondered about this. I…