In this special edition of Medical Mondays, aviation attorney Matthew Bulow provides an update on the FAA’s guidance for pilots with coronary heart disease (CHD). The FAA continues to update its Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) Guide with new guidance for evaluating certain medical conditions. One significant change came in March, when the FAA reduced the required recovery period following placement of a stent in the left main coronary artery from six months to three months. The left main coronary artery includes the artery commonly known as the “widowmaker,” making the change particularly significant for pilots recovering from stent placement.
The FAA also clarified that stent placement in any coronary artery now carries a three-month waiting period for recertification. By comparison, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), or open-heart surgery, continues to require a six-month waiting period for first- and second-class medical certificate applicants. In May, the FAA further clarified that AMEs must provide a current A1C test result when seeking recertification for an airman with a history of coronary heart disease, even when the pilot has no history of diabetes. These updates give pilots and AMEs clearer expectations when navigating medical certification following cardiac treatment.
Key Insights
- Stent Recovery Period Reduced: The FAA reduced the recovery period following left main coronary artery stent placement from six months to three months.
- Three Months for Coronary Stents: Stent placement in any coronary artery now requires a three-month waiting period for recertification.
- Left Main Artery Included: The updated guidance applies to stents placed in the left main coronary artery, which includes the artery commonly referred to as the “widowmaker.”
- CABG Remains Six Months: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) continues to require a six-month waiting period for first- and second-class applicants.
- A1C Testing Required: The FAA clarified that a current A1C test result is required for recertification following a history of coronary heart disease.
- Diabetes History Isn’t Required: The A1C requirement applies even when an airman has no history of diabetes.
- FAA Guidance Continues to Evolve: Updates to the AME Guide can change what pilots should expect when seeking medical certification following cardiac treatment.
