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Pilot Library : human factors
Health for Pilots, by Paul Gahlinger MD, PhD

Health for Pilots

by Paul Gahlinger MD, PhD

Publisher:
ISBN-13:
9780970313034
Copyright Date:
2002
Edition:
1st
Pages:
265
Binding:
Paperback
Weight:
1.2lbs
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For each of the 650,000 pilots and air traffic controllers in the United States who must pass regular FAA medical exams, this reference explains every detail of the examination; how to prepare for it, why it is required, and how to attain certification in spite of disability or illness.

Far more than merely a guide to passing the test, this resource includes chapters providing advice on subjects ranging from altitude hypoxia to avoiding jet lag, from airline drug screening programs, to flying after scuba diving. Interspersed throughout the text are pertinent historical and contemporary examples from the Red Baron, to the September 11 terrorists to highlight a broad scope of problems. With humor and insight, this book deftly blends care for the pilot with care for the aircraft.

About the Author:

Paul M. Gahlinger, M.D., Ph.D., is an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner and an adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Utah. He is the author of The Cockpit and Illegal Drugs. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.


TABLE OF CONTENTS:

  • How can I Pass The FAA Medical Exam?
    • the aviation medical examination
    • physical requirements
    • if you don't meet the requirements
    • preparing for the medical exam
    • medical changes after certificate is issued
  • Conditions That May Disqualify You
    • frequent & severe headaches
    • dizziness or fainting
    • eye or vision trouble
    • hay fever or allergy
    • asthma or lung disease
    • heart or vascular trouble
    • high or low blood presure
    • stomach, liver, or intestinal trouble
    • kidney stones or blood in urine
    • neurological disorders
    • mental disorders
    • substance dependence or abuse
    • alcohol dependence or abuse
    • motion sickness requiring medication
    • military medical discharge
    • rejection for health or life insurance
    • legal convictions
  • Statements of Demonstrated Abilities
    • what it means to be disqualified
    • special issuance authorizations
    • disabled pilots
  • Drug Testing Programs
    • history of drug abuse
    • federal regulations
    • how peolple are tested for drugs
    • legal medications that can cuase positive drug tests
    • what happens when a drug test is positive
  • Cleared For Flight
    • taking care of yourself
    • weight diet and exersize
    • hearing loss
    • smoking
    • using oxygen
    • SCUBA diving
    • women's health
    • sleep and fatigue
  • Military Pilots
    • military medical requirements
    • mental health
    • allowable medications
  • Appendices
    • FAA addresses
    • pilot resources
    • regional flight surgeons
    • medical standards and certification

Reader Reviews:

1] An excellent, straightforward reference: Compiled and written by Senior Aviation Medical Examiner Paul M. Gahlinger, Health For Pilots is a complete and practical 265-page guide to FAA medical certification and self-care for those seeking to become (or remain) aviation pilots. Individual chapters address the physical requirements of the FAA medical exam, offers an extensive listing of potentially disqualifying conditions, instructions for getting a SODA (statement of demonstrated ability) to counter a disqualification, describes the ins and outs of drug testing programs, and much, much more. Health For Pilots is an excellent, straightforward reference and resource which should be a core part of any personal, professional, or academic Aviation Studies reference collection or reading list.
2] Both informative and easy to read, this is a great reference book if you are a pilot or are thinking of becoming one. Peppered throughout are interesting statistics and humorous anecdotes which keep the atmosphere on the lighter side of what could otherwise be a very dry topic. Gahlinger also illuminates a path through the maze of paperwork that the government can request of you. While this guide won't save you from filling out dozens of forms, at least you will know what you have to do from the get-go, saving you a lot of time and frustration. This book will be valuable to anyone who has or suspects they may have a medical condition that could disqualify them from receiving an FAA medical certificate.
W. Brinkert