Case Analysis & Practical Application Flashcards

A 38-year-old pilot discloses a history of kidney transplant performed 2 years ago, with stable renal function on tacrolimus. How should the AME proceed?

Answer: Defer to AMCD; solid organ transplant requires Authorization review

Solid organ transplant recipients must be deferred to the AMCD for Authorization review, as the underlying condition, immunosuppressive medications, and renal function all require FAA evaluation.

An applicant reports using sertraline (Zoloft) 50 mg daily for generalized anxiety disorder for the past 18 months with good control and no side effects. Under current FAA policy, what is the certification pathway?

Answer: Evaluate under SSRI HIMS protocol - if criteria met, issue under Authorization

The FAA allows certain SSRIs under the SSRI HIMS protocol. Applicants on approved SSRIs may be issued a medical certificate if they meet all criteria, often requiring HIMS AME evaluation and Authorization.

A 30-year-old applicant for a First-Class certificate admits to using marijuana recreationally in a state where it is legal. No current use is reported. How should the AME respond?

Answer: Document the history, counsel the applicant, and issue if no current impairment or use disorder is present

Marijuana remains a federally controlled substance and AMEs must document use. Past recreational use without current use or use disorder is not automatically disqualifying, but the AME must assess for substance abuse patterns and counsel accordingly.

A 55-year-old applicant presents for Second-Class renewal reporting sleep apnea treated with CPAP for 2 years with documented AHI below 5 on therapy. What should the AME do?

Answer: Issue the certificate; treated sleep apnea meeting FAA CACI compliance criteria qualifies for AME issuance

Obstructive sleep apnea treated with CPAP meeting FAA CACI compliance criteria (AHI below 5, at least 70% CPAP usage) is a CACI condition - the AME can issue without deferral if all criteria are met.

An applicant discloses a history of a grand mal seizure 8 years ago with no recurrence, attributed to alcohol withdrawal. No further alcohol use or neurological events since. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Defer to AMCD; seizure history regardless of cause requires Authorization

Any history of seizure disorder requires deferral to AMCD and FAA Authorization regardless of the number of seizure-free years, as the FAA requires formal neurological evaluation before certification.

During a physical exam, an AME finds that a pilot's distance vision is 20/60 in the right eye, correctable to 20/20 with glasses. The pilot wears glasses during the exam. What is the correct certification action for a First-Class certificate?

Answer: Issue the certificate with 'must wear corrective lenses' limitation

First-Class vision standard requires 20/20 in each eye with or without correction. With corrective lenses the applicant meets the standard, so the AME issues with a 'must wear corrective lenses' limitation.