Heart and Circulatory System

A two-month recovery and stabilizing period is required after the pacemaker is inserted before you can apply for a special issuance. A cardiovascular evaluation will be required after the 60-day recovery and stabilization period is completed.

The packet must include:

1. Copies of hospital/medical records pertaining to the clinical indications for the pacemaker, including:
•  make and model of the generator and leads.
•  serial numbers of generator and leads.
•  admission history and physical
•  operative report.
•  discharge summary.
2. An evaluation of pacemaker function including a completed Pacemaker Status Report
3. A current Cardiology Narrative Report.
4. Current fasting blood sugar and blood lipid profile including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides.
5. A current 24-hour ambulatory Holter monitor or similar evaluation including representative tracings. 
6. A current M-Mode, 2-dimensional echocardiogram with Doppler.
7. Maximal exercise treadmill stress test demonstrating functional capacity equivalent to completion of Stage III (nine minutes) of the 12-lead Bruce protocol.

Important Note: Many pacemaker recipients are now receiving combination pacemaker/internal cardiac defibrillators on the advice or recommendation of their treating physicians. The FAA does not currently allow the use of automatic implanted cardioverter defibrillators (AICDs) for any class of medical certificate.

How/Where to Submit to the FAA

Helps you find the contact information for submitting your medical records.

Updated November 2023