Risk Assessment & Mitigation Flashcards
7 cards from real AME practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Risk Assessment & Mitigation flashcards as text
A pilot applicant reports taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for depression. Under the FAA's SSRI policy, which factor is NOT part of the risk mitigation criteria?
Answer: Pilot must hold an instrument rating
The FAA's SSRI policy does not require an instrument rating; it focuses on stability of dose, absence of disqualifying diagnoses, and demonstrated clinical stability.
When performing incapacitation risk analysis for a pilot with a single seizure 12 years ago and no recurrence, the AME should primarily assess:
Answer: Annual seizure recurrence probability and EEG findings
The key risk metric for seizure history is the probability of recurrence per year, informed by EEG findings, neuroimaging, and etiology of the initial event.
A commercial pilot is found to have moderate mitral valve regurgitation on echocardiogram but is asymptomatic. What best describes the AME's risk-based approach?
Answer: Defer to the FAA for Special Issuance evaluation with cardiology documentation
Moderate valvular disease typically requires Special Issuance with complete cardiology evaluation including echocardiographic data to quantify hemodynamic risk.
Which scenario best exemplifies the FAA concept of 'acceptable level of risk' in aviation medical certification?
Answer: Applying the 1% per year risk threshold for incapacitating events in single-pilot operations
The FAA's '1% rule' holds that the risk of a sudden incapacitating event must not exceed approximately 1% per year for the pilot to be certified, especially in single-pilot operations.
A pilot with controlled hypertension on lisinopril has a blood pressure reading of 138/88 mmHg in the office. What is the most appropriate risk mitigation step?
Answer: Issue the certificate; reading is within acceptable limits for certification
Blood pressure up to 155/95 mmHg is within FAA acceptable limits for certification when medically treated, so 138/88 qualifies for certificate issuance.
In evaluating psychiatric risk for aviation safety, the GAO and FAA both emphasize which ongoing mitigation strategy for certified pilots with mental health histories?
Answer: Regular follow-up documentation and AME attestation at each renewal
Regular follow-up documentation at each medical renewal, with AME attestation of continued stability, is the FAA's primary longitudinal monitoring strategy for mental health risk.
A pilot discloses use of a non-prescription antihistamine for seasonal allergies. From a risk mitigation standpoint, the primary concern is:
Answer: Sedative side effects impairing pilot performance and alertness
First-generation antihistamines cause CNS sedation and impaired psychomotor performance, which is the primary safety risk in pilot populations.