Does Astigmatism Disqualify You From Piloting An Aircraft?
As someone who has always dreamed of flying, I was disheartened when my optometrist diagnosed me with astigmatism during a routine eye exam. At that moment, I thought my dreams of becoming a pilot may have been shattered. After doing some research however, and speaking with professionals in the industry, I quickly learned that having astigmatism does not […]
Does High Cholesterol Disqualify You from Being a Pilot?
High cholesterol is undeniably an adverse health condition that raises questions about its ramifications on a pilot’s ability to exercise the privileges of pilot-in-command. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has comprehensively addressed the issue of high cholesterol, having established a set of guidelines and criteria for both Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) as well as for […]
BMI and Pilots: Clearing the Air on Limits
Maintaining a healthy BMI is a weighty subject (pun intended) in the field of aviation. Commercial pilots, in particular, may face the challenge of maintaining a healthy weight due to the sedentary nature of their profession. For all pilots, whether general aviation or commercial, excess weight not only affects their personal health but can also […]
DECIDE: An Essential Tool In Every Pilot’s Safety Arsenal
As a pilot, ensuring the safety of your flights is of paramount importance. In emergency situations, quick decision-making can make all the difference between a successful flight and becoming another entry in the NTSB’s Aviation Accident Database. That’s why every pilot needs to equip themselves with the DECIDE model as a critical tool in their safety arsenal. […]
Can you become a pilot with sleep apnea?
Pilots who suffer from sleep apnea may be in for a rude awakening. This sleep disorder has the potential to crush your dreams of pursuing aviation, whether it be as a hobby or for a career. Understanding the symptoms, effects, and treatments associated with sleep apnea is crucial for ensuring your aviation journey can take […]
IMSAFE: Pilot Fitness Self-Assessment Before You Go Flying
Regardless of whether you are a professional pilot or whether you fly as a hobby, safety is the common denominator that serves as the guiding principle for all of your decision making. Sound decision making is critical to every phase of flight, not just from takeoff to landing, but even before you head to the […]
Do you need to be physically fit to become a pilot?
Among the most important assets that every pilot possesses is their health. Physical fitness is of paramount importance to be a thriving, competent, and successful aviator. The FAA requires that all pilots must not only successfully pass periodic medical exams in order to earn their license, and to maintain their license in good standing, but […]
Is a Recreational Pilot License Worth It?
The recreational pilot license is a viable alternative for aspiring pilots for whom the pursuit of a standard pilot license may otherwise be untenable. Whether this is by choice or whether it is due to life circumstances imposed upon them, the fact of the matter is that the recreational pilot license can help bridge this […]
What Age Is Too Late To Become A Pilot?
Once you obtain your private pilot license, you join an exclusive club. This exclusive club comes with a lifetime membership. Once you get your pilot license, you are a pilot for life. Barring any circumstances which involve violating one or more FAA regulations, your pilot license can never be revoked. While the FAA does not […]
Sport vs Private Pilot Licenses: What Are The Differences?
If you are looking to make a foray into the world of general aviation, there are a number of options, the two most common of which are the private pilot license and the sport pilot license. The pursuit of either one of these will open the doors (and the skies) for you to become a […]