AINsight: Cancer and Flying, Part 2 | Aviation International News

AINsight: Cancer and Flying, Part 2

FAA program allows many AMEs to issue medicals on the spot for pilots with stabilized cancers

medical implements — Photo: Pixabay

By Robert Sancetta, M.D. • AIN Contributor

July 3, 2025

In my last blog, I introduced a discussion of cancer and its many implications for pilots. As mentioned, while any diagnosis of cancer is going to bring about fear and trepidation, many cancers are now quite survivable.

Unfortunately, there are also some cancers that will lead to permanent disability and even death. I do want to recognize this troublesome possibility and express condolences to those whose cancers have proven to be grave transitions for themselves and their families.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Robert Sancetta, M.D.

AIN Contributor

About the author

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.

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