HEART
Current FAA policy allows only Third-Class consideration for medical certification.
For special issuance consideration following heart replacement surgery, the FAA will require:
A current report from the treating transplant cardiologist regarding the status of the cardiac transplant, including all pre- and post-operative testing. Included in this report should be a statement regarding functional capacity, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, and prognosis for incapacitation;
Current blood chemistries (fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1C concentration, and blood lipid profile to include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides), performed within the preceding 30 days;
Any tests performed or deemed necessary by the treating physicians (e.g., periodic myocardial biopsy);
A post-operative coronary angiogram;
24-hour Holter monitor evaluation to include selective representative tracings;
Complete documentation of all rejection history, whether treated or not. Include hospital records and reports of any tests done;
A complete history regarding any infectious process;
All complete history regarding any malignancy;
List of all present medications and dosages and note of any side effects.
All testing must be completed and submitted to the FAA within 30 days.
You should have the complete evaluation records available when you see the aviation medical examiner for an FAA physical exam. The Examiner must defer the application to the FAA for a decision. Consideration will be for Third-class applicants only. The FAA Cardiology Consultant Panel will review all cases. Subsequent recertification will be based on annual follow-up evaluation. All information should be forwarded by express mail to the FAA in Oklahoma City.
How/Where to Submit to the FAA
Helps you find the contact information for submitting your medical records.
LIVER
For liver transplant recipients, there is a required six-month post-transplant recovery period with at least three months of documented stability. Complete hospital records including admission note, operative note, and discharge summary will be part of the packet for the FAA review.
Also, a current detailed progress note from the treating physician will include post operative status, functional capacity, risk factors, and prognosis for incapacitation, any recent change in treatment plan, and discussion of any complications including rejection or graft versus host disease (GVHD), infection risk, or post-transplant malignancy and initiation of immune suppressants.
A list of current medications including name and dosage of immunosuppressant drugs, side effects, and duration of medication usage.
Current lab and imaging reports or other tests deemed necessary based on clinical findings.
How/Where to Submit to the FAA
Helps you find the contact information for submitting your medical records.
RENAL
A history of kidney transplant will require basic hospital records including admission summary, operative report, and discharge summary.
Also, a current clinical progress note that details the history of the primary renal disease, any history of hypertension or cardiac dysfunction, a comment regarding rejection or graft versus host disease, immunosuppressive therapy and side effects, if any, and current labs including CBC, BUN, creatinine, and electrolytes.
How/Where to Submit to the FAA
Helps you find the contact information for submitting your medical records.
Updated January 2023