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Airman Alcohol Offenses

DUI Instructions for Pilots

What Happens if I get a DUI?
	Back to Pilot FAQ Index Effects of Alcohol Identity Release after Accident

Under 14 CFR 61.15, all pilots must send a Notification Letter to FAA’s Security and Investigations Division within 60 calendar days of the effective date of an alcohol-related conviction or administrative action. In 14 CFR 61.15(c), alcohol-related convictions or administrative actions refer to motor vehicle actions (MVA). How would the FAA know?

Notification Letters

Note: Each event, conviction, or administrative action, requires a separate Notification Letter. For example, an airman’s driver license may be suspended at the time of arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol for either:

• Failing a blood/breath test
• Refusing to test

The airman must send a Notification Letter for the suspension, then send a secondNotification Letter if the alcohol related offense results in a conviction. Even though the airman sent two notification letters, FAA views the suspension and conviction as one alcohol-related incident.

Send Notification Letters to:

Federal Aviation Administration
Security and Investigations Division (AMC-700)
P.O. Box 25810
Oklahoma City, OK 73125

or
Fax to: (405) 954-4989

History: The DUI/DWI compliance program began in November 1990 by Congressional act. The final rule published in the Federal Register on August 1, 1990, is Federal Aviation Regulation 14 CFR Parts 61 and 67.

Frequently Asked Questions about DUIs

What Happens if I get a DUI
	Back to Pilot FAQ Index Effects of Alcohol Identity Release after Accident

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I send my Notification Letter (MS Word) ?
Send the letter to:
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Security and Investigations Division (AMC-700)
P.O. Box 25810
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
or
Fax to (405) 954-4989

Do I have to report anything other than alcohol-related convictions?
Yes, under 14 CFR Part 61, you must report alcohol-related administrative actions, whether a conviction took place or not. Administrative actions and convictions are also reportable under Part 67, the airman application for a medical certificate.

If the charge of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is reduced to Reckless, Careless, or Negligent driving by the court, do I have to report it?
No, we do not consider a conviction for Reckless, Careless, or Negligent Driving a reportable motor vehicle action (MVA). However, you must report the first suspension, if any.

How long do I have to report my alcohol-related motor vehicle action (MVA)?
You have 60 days from the effective date of the administrative action (driver license suspension, revocation, or cancellation) or conviction. (The 60-day period does notbegin with the arrest date.)

What happens when I report an alcohol-related MVA within the 60 days?
When you report an alcohol-related MVA the FAA will:

• Compile a case file
• Verify your airman status
• Get your driver history from the state that holds the record
• Compare information from the Notification Letter to the information on your driver history

Your file will be closed if:

• You are not in violation of 61.15(d) (two MVAs within three years)
• You disclosed the action on your Application for Airman Medical (if applicable)
• You comply with 14 CFR 61.15(e) (Notification Letter)

I received an alcohol-related MVA, but failed to report it within the 60 days. What should I do?
Report the MVA as soon as you become aware of the reporting requirement. A written report received after 60 days, but before we discover the MVA, is normally considered a mitigating factor when determining sanction.

What happens if I fail to report an alcohol-related MVA and FAA finds out about it?
FAA begins a formal investigation. We will send you a Letter of Investigation giving you the opportunity to respond, in writing, to the alleged violation(s).

Will FAA discover that I have an alcohol-related MVA if I don't report it?
Yes, FAA Form 8500-8 "Application for Airmen Medical" contains an express consent provision which authorizes the National Driver Register (NDR) to release information about your driving record to FAA. Information on the NDR record will contain pointers to states that keep a driving history on you. FAA will get these records to determine if you have a reportable alcohol-related MVA.

Who has access to the records kept by the DUI/DWI Compliance Program?
Only investigators assigned to the DUI/DWI program have access to the information files.

I have more questions. How can I contact the FAA directly for more information?
You may contact an FAA DUI/DWI investigator Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT at (405) 954-4848. Please Note: You must send a written notification of your alcohol-related MVA. You may not give this information by telephone.

Anticoagulants

Pilot Medication Issues - Blood Thinners

Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Pharmaceuticals (Therapeutic Medications)

Anticoagulants

There are several aviation medical concerns for pilots on "blood thinners". These are medications such as coumadin, plavix pilot, thrombosis, blood clots, aspirin, clopidogrel, aggrenox. These are the significant references from the FAA AME Guide and Part 67:

1. Code of Federal Regulations
• First-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.113(b)(c)
• Second-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.213(b)(c)
• Third-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.313(b)(c)
2. Medical History
3. Aeromedical Decision Considerations
4. Protocol - Defer to AMCD

Cardiac Problems

Heart Issues for Pilots

Aerospace Medical Dispositions Cardiac Issues These are the most common heart conditions of aeromedical significance. Arrhythmias Atrial Fibrillation Coronary Heart Disease Hypertension Valvular Disease Other Cardiac Conditions AMEs will not immediately issue medical certificates if there are heart conditions that require deferral, or for any other cardiac condition that may result in sudden or subtle incapacitation. This is includes the nebulous category of "Angina Pectorus," a term referred to ischemic chest pain resulting from insufficient cardic perfusion. Angina can be stable or unstable--unfortunately both require cardiology work up and are disqualifying until the coronary vessel status is fully evaluated. If the airman has one of these conditions, then the AME will consult with the FAA (AMCD) or theRegional Flight Surgeon. Medical documentation must be submitted for any of these cardiac conditions to support a possible waiver (special issuance) of an airman medical certificate. Cardiac Work Up FAQ's: General coronary heart disease work up requirements for any class of airman medical certification. Additional requirements for first or unlimited second-class medical certification. Stress Test (Treadmill) Stress Test requirements when you have a Bundle Branch Block Coronary Intervention (CABG, Rotoblation, Atherectomy, PTCA, and STENT).

Unfortunately cardiac disease is very common among pilots and controllers, and airman should seek early treatment to avoid medical complications and disability. Your health comes first, but we realize your aviation career (professional or hobby) is a close second! The FAA routinely waivers adequately treated heart disease, so don't hide these issues from your AME for fear of permanent grounding. Pilots and controllers who optimize their health also optimize their chances for FAA medical certification. Find an AME.

There are many types of heart problems, and all are significant to aviators. ALPA reports that 23% of almost 10,000 pilots contacting their office each year do so for cardiovascular disease. If your doctor tells you about a heart problems, or you suspect symptoms, don't take immediate dispair! The FAA granted nearly 6,500 Special Issuance Authorizations/SIA (waivers) for pilots with coronary artery disease in 1997. Of these, most were for coronary artery disease or heart attacks (myocardial infarctions). The majority of these pilots were treated with bypass grafting, angioplasty and/or intracoronary artery stents. The FAA granted 509 waivers for First Class, 512 for Second Class and 5,555 were for Third Class Certificates. Pilots with heart valve replacements, rhythm disturbances, pacemakers and heart failure were also granted waivers. According to Virtual Flight Surgeons, only 0.1% of medical applications to the FAA receive a final denial.

As with all medical problems, you should try to learn as much about the subject as possible, but FlightPhysical.com strongly recommends that you find an AMEto help coach you through the relevant considerations and work-up required for your particular situation. As mentioned, thousands of pilots have had heart problems, and with patience and persistence, it may be possible to climb back into the cockpit. For your and the public's safety, there is a well-defined path which must be followed prior to strapping back in the front seat. This page is an index to various cardiac conditions for which the FAA has devised pilot protocols.

Hypertension - Introduction

High Blood Pressure

FAA Disease Protocols-Hypertension Elevated Systolic or Diastolic Blood Pressure

Heart Conditions General Problem List Part 67 Index Go Find an AME Pilot Home

FlightPhysical.com will discuss Hypertension in sections. This parallels the FAA's instructions to AMEs concerning this common and serious problem.

• Introduction to Hypertension (this page)
• Measuring Blood Pressure
• Initial Discovery in Pilots
• Medications used by pilots
• Followup and Duration of waivers

Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is a common condition where the pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries of the body is higher than it should be. Pilots and controllers are often affected whether or not they have the classic "type A" personality. Much like the pressure of the air in a tire, if the pressure of the blood is too high it can damage the arteries and organs of the body. Just like the tire, if the pressure suddenly becomes very high, catastrophic events can happen. Similarly, if the pressure remains somewhat elevated for a long enough period of time, premature wear and failure can occur.

Hypertension has its worst effects on the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, hemorrhages of the retina of the eye, and generalized atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries all over the body).

It is easy to understand, then, why we are concerned about pilots who have high blood pressure. We don’t like to see aviators flying when they are at increased risk for these conditions. Fortunately, hypertension is easy to treat. For many people, simply achieving an appropriate weight, exercising regularly, and watching dietary salt will control their mild hypertension. Other individuals may be required to take medications to reduce their blood pressure. Either way, hypertension and its treatment should have little effect on one’s ability to be medically certified to fly.

As you research hypertension in aviators, you will want to review Measurement of Hypertension during the Pilot Exam

Click on links for the procedures for specific FAA instructions on initial reporting, medication discussion and followup procedures:

• Initial
• Medications
• Followup and Duration

FAA Disease Protocols-Hypertension Elevated Systolic or Diastolic Blood Pressure

Heart Conditions General Problem List Part 67 Index Go Find an AME Pilot Home

FlightPhysical.com will discuss Hypertension in 4 sections. This will parallel the FAA's Instruction to AMEs concerning this common and serious problem.

• Initial
• Medications
• Followup and Duration

Hypertension (or high blood pressure) is a common condition where the pressure of the blood flowing through the arteries of the body is higher than it should be. Pilots and controllers are often affected whether or not they have the classic "type A" personality. Much like the pressure of the air in a tire, if the pressure of the blood is too high it can damage the arteries and organs of the body. Just like the tire, if the pressure suddenly becomes very high, catastrophic events can happen. Similarly, if the pressure remains somewhat elevated for a long enough period of time, premature wear and failure can occur.

Hypertension has its worst effects on the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, hemorrhages of the retina of the eye, and generalized atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries all over the body).

It is easy to understand, then, why we are concerned about pilots who have high blood pressure. We don’t like to see aviators flying when they are at increased risk for these conditions. Fortunately, hypertension is easy to treat. For many people, simply achieving an appropriate weight, exercising regularly, and watching dietary salt will control their mild hypertension. Other individuals may be required to take medications to reduce their blood pressure. Either way, hypertension and its treatment should have little effect on one’s ability to be medically certified to fly.

Measuring Blood Pressure

Blood pressure can be measured with the individual lying down, sitting, or standing. Regardless of the position, the blood pressure recording will always consist of two numbers written like a fraction with the top number called the systolic pressure and the bottom number called the diastolic pressure. In the example 120/80, the systolic pressure is 120 and the diastolic pressure is 80. These numbers are in units of "millimeters of mercury". (That means that a pressure of 120 is enough to support a column of mercury 120 millimeters high.) One can think about the systolic pressure as representing the peak pressure during the heart’s contraction and the diastolic pressure as representing the resting or baseline pressure within the blood stream between contractions.

Most doctors today believe that people who consistently run blood pressures higher than 140/90 are at increased risk for the complications noted above and should be considered for treatment. Remember, however, that blood pressure is variable and occasional readings above this level are to be expected. It is apreponderance of readings above 140/90 that defines hypertension.

Aerospace Medical Disposition

If an individual with no known history of hypertension is found during the FAA exam to have blood pressure readings consistently higher than 155/95 then further investigation is required. Initially, this should consist of recording the blood pressure twice a day (morning and evening) for three consecutive days. If at least 4 of these 6 readings are 155/95 or less and the applicant is otherwise qualified, then no further action is required and the certificate can be issued.

If the three-day blood pressure checks confirm the presence of hypertension, then treatment of some kind will generally be required for certification. Once a person is on a stable treatment plan and their blood pressure is adequately controlled without significant adverse effects, certification can be considered. When the FAA is notified for the first time about an aviator who has initiated treatment for high blood pressure, the following items will need to be reviewed and cleared by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME):

1. Complete review of pertinent history including personal, social, and family history related to hypertension and risk factor analysis for complications;
2. Statement from treating physician describing the effects of treatment and any risk factor modification program;
3. Representative blood pressure readings;
4. Laboratory testing to include electrolyte, lipid profile, and glucose;
5. Resting ECG.

If the above is acceptable, the AME may issue the medical certificate, good for its normal duration.

An individual who has already reported the hypertension and received an initial clearance will require hypertension followups annually for first- and second-class medical certificate applicants and at the time of renewal for third-class certificate applicants. The information required at each hypertension follow-up is as follows:

1. A statement (current status report) from the treating physician describing at a minimum the medication(s) used and the dosage(s); the adequacy of blood pressure control; the presence or absence of medication side effects; and, the presence or absence of any "end organ" hypertension complications (that is, in the heart, blood vessels, brain, eyes and kidneys). A one-sentence, "no problems" report will not suffice and will delay certification
2. The results of any appropriate tests or studies deemed necessary by the treating physician
3. A serum potassium level if the airman is taking a diuretic

The above evaluation may also be performed by the AME if the AME can attest to the accuracy of the above information. For an individual who has already reported the hypertension and received an initial clearance, the follow-up requirements at the next and subsequent FAA medical exams are very simple. All that is required is a statement from the treating physician that the individual is in good health and having no blood pressure related problems and including some sample blood pressure readings.