Can pilots fly when sick?


Can pilots fly when sick? The safest rule is not to fly while suffering from any illness. If this rule is considered too stringent for a particular illness, the pilot should contact an aviation medical examiner for advice.


What medical test do pilots take?

How to Get Your Pilot Medical Certificate? The Airman Medical Certificate is obtained after completion of a satisfactory physical exam conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner, or AME. The AME tests vision, hearing, general health, and cardiovascular health.


Can you be a pilot with health conditions?

Some cardiovascular conditions may disqualify a person from becoming a pilot. Coronary Heart Disease: Pilots with a history of myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass surgery, or angioplasty may be disqualified. Cardiac Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, may disqualify a pilot.


Can you fly if you have flu?

Do not travel if you are sick. If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, do not travel.


Can pilots fly with sore throats?

The safest rule is not to fly while suffering from any illness. If this rule is considered too stringent for a particular illness, the pilot should contact an aviation medical examiner for advice.


What happens if a pilot flies without a medical?

In other words, without a valid second-class medical certificate, you will not be able to fly as a commercial pilot, and will only be allowed to exercise third-class flying privileges.


Do pilots get motion sickness?

Motion sickness is a common problem for pilots. It can cause them to feel sick and dizzy, and it can even lead to nausea and vomiting. Sometimes, it can be so severe that the pilot has to stop flying. Fortunately, there are several things pilots can do to help overcome motion sickness and stay safe in the cockpit.


Do pilots get sick pay?

Depending on how much paid-time off time the pilot has accrued, the pilot may have to choose between getting paid for calling in sick or an upcoming vacation. In most cases, any accrued sick time, paid time off, and vacation time not used by the pilot is paid out by the airline.


What illnesses can you not fly with?

if you suffer from or have had:
  • angina or chest pain at rest.
  • an infectious disease (e.g. chickenpox, flu), including COVID-19.
  • decompression sickness after diving (sometimes called 'the bends')
  • increased pressure in the brain (due to bleeding, injury or infection)
  • infection of your ears or sinuses.
  • recent heart attack.


Does flying weaken your immune system?

Some recent studies do in fact suggest that traveling, especially flying, can have a negative effect on your immune system, thus making it easier for you to get sick.


Is it OK to fly with a cold?

It is recommended that if you have a cold that you do not fly; this should be enforced by airlines in the case of aircrew, and aircrew are required to self-report any symptoms of cold, flu, or similar.


Do pilots get tired of flying?

Fatigue is particularly prevalent among pilots because of unpredictable work hours, long duty periods, circadian disruption, and insufficient sleep. These factors can occur together to produce a combination of sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm effects, and 'time-on task' fatigue.


What medically disqualifies you from being a pilot?

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.