Page 20 - August 2015 Volume 9, Number 8

There are several risk factors that make strokes more likely. These include obesity, smoking, diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, high cholesterol levels and a history of heart disease and atrial fibrillation. People taking anticoagulants are at higher risk for hemorrhagic stroke, and that’s why the FAA wants to be certain that anti-coagulated applicants have their medication very well regulated. Note that the risk factors for stroke are similar to the risk factors for a host of other conditions that also can result in loss of a medical certificate. The moral of this is to try to keep yourself in good condition; watch your weight, exercise regularly, don’t smoke and take care of little problems before they become big ones.
Because of the high probability of some degree of incapacitation, the FAA is quite concerned about strokes in pilots and any history of a stroke or TIA is disqualifying for any class of medical certificate.
If you suffer a stroke or TIA, you are effectively grounded and are not eligible for either a medical certifi- cate or special issuance for at least two years. There are some exceptions for TIAs if the cause is recognized and corrected. You will have to sub- mit a complete treatment record de- tailing the specifics of the stroke and your convalescence, a current and complete neurologic evaluation by a neurologist, a complete cardiovascu- lar evaluation, a Doppler ultrasound
of your carotid arteries (the major arteries that supply the brain), a 2D echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart to rule out clots in the heart that can embolize to the brain), and finally, a computerized tomographic angiography or Magnetic Resonance angiography of the neck and brain. Those latter tests are simply either a CT scan or MRI in which contrast material is injected so that the arter- ies and vessels to and in the brain can be visualized.
Even if a person does receive a special issuance after a stroke, he will have to submit to extensive testing with every renewal. Strokes are not part of the AME assisted Special Issuance Program and every renewal will have to be approved by the FAA. KA
About the Author: Dr. Jerrold Seckler is retired after practicing medicine (urology) for over 40 years and as an active AME for 25 years. He has over 6,000 total hours, 2,200 of those in his 2001 Cirrus SR22. He is an ATP, CFII, former COPA Board Member and a ground instructor at Cirrus Pilot Proficiency Programs.
The items discussed in this column are related to experiences by Dr. Seckler in his many years as an AME, and made hypothetical for the article. Any information given is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice.
Gill Battery
SEPTEMBER 2015
KING AIR MAGAZINE • 19