Many people have learned to fly with medical anomalies that years ago would have instantly disqualified them; hearing issues and color blindness are two of the most familiar. The work around is to apply for a waiver of the standard medical certificate as laid out in FAA Order 8900.1. In addition to making certain a waiver applicant meets specific health requirements, the agency also demands a special medical flight test (SMFT) to ensure the applicant can operate the aircraft itself, also known as a statement of demonstrated ability (SODA). SODAs are typically valid for 24 months. Until recently, the only way to complete the required SMFT and SODA was through a safety inspector from the local FSDO. COIVD-19 has added another element of difficulty to SMFTs because FSDOs are short-staffed and travel-budget restricted.
FAA Updates its Policy for Special Medical Flight Tests
Key Takeaways:
- Pilots with medical anomalies can obtain a waiver and a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) by passing a Special Medical Flight Test (SMFT).
- Due to challenges caused by COVID-19, which limited FAA FSDO inspectors' ability to conduct SMFTs, the FAA has authorized Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) to perform these tests.
- Under this new authorization, FSDO managing specialists must ensure DPEs are qualified, trained, and adhere to FAA policies for evaluating applicants and processing the required documentation.
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