Page 21 - May24

is important to note that any deferral by the AME to see if the pressures come down must be completed within 14 days of the AME’s initial examination.
The vast majority of medications used to treat hypertension are acceptable to the FAA; a pilot can be taking up to three antihypertensive medications and still meet the FAA requirements.
For renewal of your certificate, it is a good idea to have your primary physician prepare a note within 90 days of your aviation medical exam stating that 1) your pressures are stable, 2) you have no complications related to hypertension and 3) you have no side effects from any antihypertensive medications you are taking. With that information, the AME should be able to issue your certificate without any problem.
One final note: Hypertension is a serious condition. It is sometimes called the silent killer because it usually causes no symptoms, yet it is a significant risk factor for stroke, heart failure, myocardial infarction and kidney disease. The FAA is quite liberal in its blood pressure
standard. If your blood pressure is high, get treated either with lifestyle changes (exercise and weight loss are often quite effective in returning blood pressure to normal levels) or medication. Don’t worry about the FAA. Worry about your heart. KA
Dr. Jerrold Seckler is a retired urologist and former FAA AME. He holds an ATP and CFII certificates and is the recipient of the FAA Wright Brothers Award. Seckler owns a Cirrus SR22 and has flown it for almost 4,000 hours. He is an original member of the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA), serving on the COPA board of directors and the COPA Safety and Education Foundation board of trustees, as well as instructing at COPA Pilot Proficiency Program events.
MAY 2024
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 19