Robert Sancetta
AIN Contributor
Dr. Robert Sancetta is a former DC-10 captain with 11,000 flight hours. He has worked as a Senior AME since 1993 and is appointed as AME Consultant to the FAA Federal Air Surgeon.
Latest from Robert Sancetta
Regulations and Government
AINsight: CBD and Flying
CBD is technically not prohibited, but consumption or use nonetheless carries big risks for pilots.
Safety
AINsight: When Can’t I Fly?
Are there medical circumstances when it is certain that a pilot cannot fly? Quite clearly there are, and these provisions are outlined in FAA Part 67.
Safety
AINsight: Can I Fly?
There are few hard and fast rules, so the pilot must exercise good judgment.
AINsight: Preparing for FAA Medical Exams
Pilots should approach an aeromedical appointment with common sense—make a plan and follow through.
Regulations and Government
AINsight: Medications and Flying, Part Two
Pilots should rest assured that many medical conditions requiring medications are approvable by the FAA without too much complication.
Regulations and Government
AINsight: Medications and Flying
There is no formal list of approved medications, as both the medication itself and the ailment are factors in whether it is approved.
Regulations and Government
AINsight: Special Issuance for Sleep Apnea
Fortunately, from the standpoint of the pilot, obtaining a special issuance in the setting of sleep apnea is reasonably straightforward.
Safety
AINsight: The FAA and Sleep Apnea
Fortunately, most pilots treated for sleep apnea continue to fly without interruption.
Regulations and Government
AINsight: DUIs and Substance Treatment
The FAA's HIMS program can assist private and corporate pilots, not just airline pilots.
Safety
AINsight: Is 8 Hours Enough from Bottle to Throttle?
For pilots, being “hung over” is considered to be under the influence of alcohol, since human performance can be deteriorated.
Regulations and Government
AINsight: Pilots Beware of Prescription Opioids
Pilots should self-ground until the medical condition has improved and a reasonable time period has elapsed since taking any prescription opioids.
Safety
AINsight: A Look at the FAA's Medical Certification
A former airline pilot and Senior AME tries to make the FAA medical process less daunting.
