Can I be a pilot after bypass surgery?

The waiting period after heart surgery to get FAA clearance for first- or second-class medical airman recertification is at least 6 months. The BasicMed rule requires no waiting period for third-class applicants, but most patients aren't ready for a post-op stress test for at least a couple months after the surgery.



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This is known as the '1% safety rule'. To fly as a pilot after cardiac surgery is possible; however, special attention to perioperative planning is mandatory.

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Medical Problems
Unfortunately, some medical or health issues may cause you to fail the extensive medical examinations required to become a pilot. This includes certain heart diseases, conditions such as epilepsy, poor hearing, bad vision, and even common allergies, as certain allergy medications can make you drowsy.

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It is recommended for travelers with blocked arteries to remain on the lookout for shortness of breath or other symptoms that would show that the situation is becoming risky. This is why a medical escort is ideal if you have a blocked artery and you need to fly.

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The FAA will deny medical certification if a pilot has one of the following medical conditions (However, if you do have one or more of these conditions, you may still be eligible for an FAA special issuance medical certificate.): (1) Severe personality disorder. (2) Psychosis. (3) A bipolar disorder.

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Results: An analysis of 534 autopsy reports revealed presence of cardiovascular abnormalities in 234 pilots (prevalence rate 43.82%). Coronary artery stenosis had a prevalence rate of 37.64%. There were 41 pilots who had evidence of severe atherosclerosis of the left coronary artery.

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Patients with severe or decompensated congestive heart failure (symptoms occur even when resting/any physical activity increases discomfort) should avoid flying. If travel cannot be avoided, on-board oxygen and medical assistance should be requested.

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Within FAA , access to an individual's medical information is strictly on a need to know basis. The safeguards of the Privacy Act ( PDF ) apply to the application for airman medical certification and to other medical files in FAA 's possession.

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