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Pilots and Medications

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can significantly impair pilot performance and cognitive function, with many pilots failing to report or adequately assess their effects on flight safety.
  • Pilots are legally required by FAR 61.53 to self-assess for "medical deficiencies"—including those caused by medical conditions or medications—before every flight and to ground themselves if unfit.
  • The FAA emphasizes consulting an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) or personal physician about all medications and medical conditions, and utilizing agency resources (like the OTC "do not fly" list) to ensure flight safety.
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The date was July 15, 2008. The private pilot had almost 1000 hours total time, and 44 in the TBM 700 accident aircraft. The airplane was landing at Cobb County International Airport-McCollum Field on Runway 9, elevation 1078 feet msl and more than 6300 feet long. It was on final approach to the runway in daytime visual conditions reported as 5500 feet broken with 10 miles visibility. The wind was from 120 degrees at six knots.

According to the NTSB, ATC instructed the pilot to perform one “S” turn, then another three miles from the runway, for spacing. During the second maneuver, ATC advised the pilot he could turn onto his final approach. In response, the pilot banked the airplane sharply to the left. Witnesses stated “the airplane seemed to do a wing over onto its back and go straight down.” The airplane was destroyed by impact forces and a post-crash fire. The solo instrument-rated private pilot (male, 66) was fatally injured.

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