Pilots should take a proactive approach in optimizing their health, similar to the approach they take in maintaining their pilot certificate. Healthy lifestyle habits and preventive health examinations enhance the pilot's chances for longevity in their aviation career and maintenance of a medical certificate. FAA "waiver" policies for many medical conditions are generally reasonable and rather liberal compared to the aeromedical certification standards for other nations. The keys to timely, favorable medical certification decisions include: accuracy in reporting; stability of the condition; evaluations meeting FAA protocols; and complete documentation prior to submission to the FAA. Establishing a relationship with a reliable, expert aviation medicine physician will help in avoiding unnecessary losses of medical certification while enhancing pilot health.
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