In mid-2020, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a rule that offered extensions for pilots in need of medical clearance and other training requirements. Early this year those extensions expired which leaves pilots responsible for meeting deadlines relating to medical clearance and other certification renewals. But how does having had COVID-19 affect your medical clearance?
We’re one year into the pandemic and still have little understanding of the full impacts of COVID-19. For some, the virus exhibits no symptoms and for others it requires hospitalization and intubation. For a small population, the disease proves deadly. Some of those recovered continue to experience long-term effects.
At the end of March, the FAA published a memo issuing guidance to aviation medical examiners as they seek to clear pilots and air traffic control specialists who have suffered a COVID-19 infection. In short, if you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are recovered, you should report that infection during your aviation medical exam. Pilots and air traffic control specialists who have fully recovered without hospitalization may be issued a medical certificate if they otherwise meet the requirements. Those who report hospitalization may also be issued the certificate and their records forwarded to the FAA. Those who required intensive care or who have ongoing medical problems related to COVID-19 may have their exam deferred and the FAA will decide if it is safe to issue their certification.
The new guidance should allow most pilots and ATCS to be issued medical certificates reserving extra care for those who experienced more severe illnees. At the same time, it keeps both pilots and passengers safe from residual side-effects of COVID-19.
As you prepare for your annual medical exams, be prepared for new questions about COVID-19 and understand how the disease can affect your abilities as a pilot.
