Health for Pilots: A Complete Guide to FAA Medical Certification and Self-Care [Paperback]

Paul M. Gahlinger MD PhD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2002

For each of the 650,000 pilots and air traffic controllers in the United States who must pass regular FAA medical exams, this reference explains every detail of the examination-how to prepare for it, why it is required, and how to attain certification in spite of disability or illness. Far more than merely a guide to passing the test, this resource includes chapters providing advice on subjects ranging from altitude hypoxia to avoiding jet lag, from airline drug screening programs to flying after scuba diving. Interspersed throughout the text are pertinent historical and contemporary examples-from the Red Baron to the September 11 terrorists-to highlight a broad scope of problems. With humor and insight, this book deftly blends care for the pilot with care for the aircraft.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul M. Gahlinger, M.D., Ph.D., is an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner and an adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Utah. He is the author of The Cockpit and Illegal Drugs. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Product Details

• Paperback: 265 pages
• Publisher: Sagebrush Press (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970313039
• ISBN-13: 978-0970313034
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,862,556 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent, straightforward reference, January 10, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Health for Pilots: A Complete Guide to FAA Medical Certification and Self-Care (Paperback)

Compiled and written by Senior Aviation Medical Examiner Paul M. Gahlinger, Health For Pilots is a complete and practical 265-page guide to FAA medical certification and self-care for those seeking to become (or remain) aviation pilots. Individual chapters address the physical requirements of the FAA medical exam, offers an extensive listing of potentially disqualifying conditions, instructions for getting a SODA (statement of demonstrated ability) to counter a disqualification, describes the ins and outs of drug testing programs, and much, much more. Health For Pilots is an excellent, straightforward reference and resource which should be a core part of any personal, professional, or academic Aviation Studies reference collection or reading list.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A handy reminder to use common sense..., August 17, 2005

By 

William F. Brinkert (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Health for Pilots: A Complete Guide to FAA Medical Certification and Self-Care (Paperback)

This book is what it says it is, so I won't repeat it here. Both informative and easy to read, this is a great reference book to have on your bookshelf if you are a pilot or are thinking of becoming one. Those portions of the book related to self-care ought to be common sense, but sometimes it is nice to be reassured that common sense is still a viable guide to watching your own health.

Peppered throughout are interesting statistics and humorous anecdotes which keep the atmosphere on the lighter side of what could otherwise be a very dry topic. Gahlinger also illuminates a path through the maze of paperwork that the government can request of you. While this guide won't save you from filling out dozens of forms, at least you will know what you have to do from the get-go, saving you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.

This book will be particularly valuable to anyone who has had or who suspects they may have a medical condition that could disqualify them from receiving an FAA medical certificate.