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I am colorblind and my AME says I will need a SODA. What is a SODA?

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 20:24:00 GMT

A SODA is a Statement of Demonstrated Ability, or "waiver", as it is commonly known. It is issued for a static medical defect or condition that does not allow the applicant to meet the medical standards of FAR Part 67. Some examples are visual acuity that cannot be corrected to at least 20/40 for a Third Class medical certificate, in your case, a color vision deficiency , or amputations of an upper or lower extremity. Most conditions that result in a SODA being issued require a medical flight test, scheduled through a local FAA Flight Standards District Office, and administered by an FAA Inspector. Some waivers, though, do not require a flight test, and are issued on the basis of operational experience (flight time). The SODA is a permanent waiver as long as the condition for which the waiver is issued does not change. If the condition is subject to change, such as heart disease or cancer, the FAA may grant a medical certificate through a different type of waiver, called a "special issuance authorization". The authorization is issued on the basis of periodic repeat testing to determine that the condition has not progressed to a point where aviation safety would be compromised.

I'm considering Lasik eye surgery. Is it acceptable by the FAA?

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 20:24:00 GMT

The FAA currently allows Lasik vision surgery (and most other laser vision corrections that are FDA approved for all classes of medical certification. Following the procedure, when the treating physician is satisfied that visual acuity has stabilized to FAA standards and there are no post-operative complications, such as glare or compromised night vision, the ophthalmologist will need to complete a report of eye evaluation that you will present to your aviation medical examiner at the time of your next scheduled FAA physical examination.

Lasik correction to monocular vision (one eye corrected to near vision and the other to distance) is also FAA allowed but requires a six-month stabilization period during which you must wear eyeglasses or contact lenses that allow you to meet the vision standards separately in each eye while flying. For removal of this restriction after the six-month period, you can request authorization from the FAA to take a medical flight test. After successful completion of the flight test, you will be issued a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) that removes any vision restriction from your medical certificate.

I suffer from hay fever and allergies. What medications can I use that won't be a problem for flying?

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 20:19:00 GMT

The FAA allows the use of non-sedating antihistamine medications, including loratidine (Claritin) and fexofenadine (Allegra). Other prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs might also be acceptable if there are no adverse side effects. If you're taking any medication(s) at the time of your next scheduled FAA medical examination, you should have a report from your treating doctor providing a summary of your condition and the medications being used. The AME can issue your medical at the time of examination provided the symptoms are under control, the medication is acceptable to the FAA, and there are no adverse side effects. You can view a listing of many commonly prescribed medications that the FAA allows online.

I was taking antidepressants several years ago, but I'm not taking them currently. Can I get my medical back?

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 20:18:00 GMT

The FAA medical application asks if you "currently" use any medication. If you have a past history of depression or any other condition that was treated with an antidepressant, and you have been off medications for at least 90 days, reissuance of a medical certificate is certainly possible. You will need to have a report from your treating doctor summarizing your condition, how it was treated, how long it was treated, the date medicine was discontinued, and your current status. If the symptoms have not recurred and you remain medication-free, the FAA will probably be able to find you qualified for a medical certificate.

Can I fly while using any antidepressants?

Sun, 07 Jan 2007 20:18:00 GMT

All antidepressants are considered disqualifying once their usage is made known to the FAA. If you hold a current medical certificate and begin using antidepressants, you're required to abide by FAR 61.53, which, as amended August 4, 1997, prohibits the use of medications that makes you unable to meet the requirements for a medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation. Additionally, FAR 91.17 prohibits the use of any drug "that affects the person's faculties in any way contrary to safety". Both these regulations place the burden on the pilot to voluntarily ground him/herself if there is a medical deficiency either because of symptoms or from medication side effects. It's up to you until the FAA is notified, and notification occurs when you complete your next FAA medical application and list any medications currently being used. If the med(s) is disqualifying, the FAA will deny your application until the prohibited medication has been discontinued and you're no longer having symptoms that required the medication to be used. The FAA is currently reviewing the policy for antidepressant usage, and it is possible that, in the future, certain antidepressants might be allowed under certain circumstances.