Page 16 - March 2015 Volume 9, Number 3

FAA’s New Sleep Apnea Policy Includes Direction Provided
y Aviation Groups
bThe Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) once-controversial plan for testing pilots for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) now reflects a practical approach for ad- dressing the condition, without compromising flight safety.
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen said, “This new guidance reflects a pivot for the agency, which combines common sense with clinical discipline. Particularly noteworthy is that under the new guidance, pilots will be able to continue to fly while being evaluated for OSA.”
In late 2013, the FAA revealed a plan that it would consider requiring any pilot with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater, and a neck size of 17 inches or greater, to undergo OSA screening prior to receiving a medical certificate.
On Jan. 23, 2015, the FAA’s federal air surgeon shared aviation organizations its revised plans for aviation medical examiners (AMEs) regarding screening for OSA. Set to take effect on March 2, 2015 the new AME guidance will not rely on a pilot’s BMI to diagnose OSA; instead the new policy states: “The risk of OSA will be determined by an integrated assessment of history, symptoms and physical/clinical findings,” and must incorporate guidance from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine in determining pilots’ airworthiness.
guidance will also facilitate an This will save fuel and time,
easier process for individuals who exhibit a series of OSA symptoms to receive a medical diagnosis by their own health care provider, not just sleep specialists. Additionally, the FAA has provided up to 90 days for pilots required to receive additional evaluation to provide documentation to an AME. Pilots can also request an additional 30 days if they notify their AME.
NBAA’s website (www.nbaa.org) has information on the situation, and the Association’s efforts to ensure that the industry’s concerns are understood.
New Wake Turbulence Spacing Procedures Will Increase Efficiency At Airports
Air traffic controllers (ATC) are planning on decreasing the spacing of aircraft in the skies surrounding some of
and increase capacity, while reducing aircraft emissions.
According to the NBAA, “wake turbulence recategorization,” or “Wake RECAT,” enables controllers to space aircraft by type and performance, considering wingspan and approach speed, rather than just takeoff weight. By accounting for the different wake vortices generated by each aircraft, controllers can achieve greater flight efficiency while not compromising safety.
“More than likely, as a pilot you will never know this change in separation is being applied to your aircraft,” said Bob Lamond, NBAA’s director of air traffic services and infrastructure. “Further, no control instructions will be issued to pilots to use the new separation standards. RECAT is an internal procedure applied by the radar controller at the
Along with a broader, more
practical view of a pilot’s overall
health situation, the FAA’s new the nation’s busiest airports. ATC facility. NBAA supports the
14 • KING AIR MAGAZINE
MARCH 2015
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