Healthier than ever, pilots fight to stay that way
Doctors and pilots.

Doctors and pilots. Hard to find a group more at odds. Doctors, in the person of aviation medical examiners (AMEs), put aviators holding Class I medical certificates through thorough examinations every six months. Aviators view these exams as one of the stiff prices they pay for the privilege of flying for pay.

What other profession is forced to submit to a biennial medical exam that can mean the end of a career with the stroke of a pen? Does the threat of medical certificate revocation represent the most serious professional threat faced by pilots?
Sadly, yes. But not as often as one might think, especially in these times of increased health awareness, better medication and treatments and, amazing to some, an FAA that’s much more inclined to say “yes” to a pilot with medical issues than it is to say “no.”

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