FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
PUBLICATIONS
AVIATION MEDICINE REPORTS

Report No: DOT/FAA/AM-90/5

Title and Subtitle: Medically Disqualified Airline Pilots in Calendar Years 1987 and 1988

Report Date: June 1990

Authors: Downey, L.E. and Dark, S.J.

Abstract: This study presents comprehensive data reflecting pertinent denial rates regarding the medical and general attributes of those airline pilots denied medical certification in calendar years 1987 and 1988. The overall annual denial rate of this group is 4.3 per 1,000 active airline pilots. Age-specific denial rates for airline pilots increase to the highest rate at age interval 55-59. The most significant causes for denial by pathology series are: (1) cardiovascular; (2) neuropsychiatric; and (3) the miscellaneous category. Denials for cardiovascular reasons account for 34% of all denials in this airline pilot group.

The most significant causes for denial by specific pathology are: (1) coronary artery disease; (2) use of disqualifying medications; (3) psychoneurotic disorders; (4) myocardial infarction; and (5) disturbance of consciousness. These 5 specific causes account for 30% of all causes for denial.

Key Words: Medical Certification Denials, Airline Pilots

No. of Pages: 11