Aviator Medical Certification after Coronary-Artery Surgery

IN several recent decisions,* the National Transportation Safety Board has issued orders to the Federal Aviation Administration for medical certification of pilots with surgically treated coronary-artery disease, thus returning them to active flight status. Because of the unresolved controversy surrounding the efficacy of bypass surgery in the treatment of patients with coronary-artery disease and the fact that resumption of active flying status in some cases represents command responsibility in passenger-carrying commercial jet aircraft, the wisdom of these decisions and their effect on the safety of the general public have generated considerable concern. This report will discuss both the basis for . . .