Musculoskeletal: Spine
Apr 2014
Guidance is compiled and interpreted by professional pilots and physicians at FlightPhysical.com from the 2014 AME Guide pages 109-119, FAA and FDA web data (www.FAA.gov & www.FDA.gov), instructions specified in the Aeronautical Information Manual, Federal Air Surgeon Bulletins from 1999-2015, and 14 CFR Part 61 and Part 67 (the FARs).
I. Code of Federal Regulations
Legal References: 14 CFR 67.113(b)(c), 67.213(b)(c), 67.313(b)(c),
Legal Extract (Applies to All Classes):
-
(b) No other organic, functional, or structural disease, defect, or limitation that the Federal Air Surgeon, based on the case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the condition involved, finds -
- Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or
- May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the airman medical certificate applied for or held, to make the person unable to perform those duties or exercise those privileges.
-
(c) No medication or other treatment that the Federal Air Surgeon, based on the case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the medication or other treatment involved, finds -
- Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or
- May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the airman medical certificate applied for or held, to make the person unable to perform those duties or exercise those privileges.
II. Examination Techniques
Standard examination procedures should be used to make a gross evaluation of the integrity of the applicant's musculoskeletal system. The Examiner should note:
- Pain - neuralgia, myalgia, paresthesia, and related circulatory and neurological findings
- Weakness - local or generalized; degree and amount of functional loss
- Paralysis - atrophy, contractures, and related dysfunctions
- Motion coordination, tremors, loss or restriction of joint motions, and performance degradation
- Also see exam techniques in Extremities and Arthritis sections
FAA Aerospace Medical Disposition Grid for
Item 43. Spine
|
ITEM 43. Spine (excluding arthritis) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
SPINE/VERTEBRAL DISEASE/CONDITION |
CLASS |
EVALUATION DATA |
DISPOSITION |
|
Ankylosis, curvature, or other marked deformity of the spinal column sufficient to interfere with the performance of airman duties |
All |
Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports |
Requires FAA Decision |
|
Intervertebral Disc Surgery |
All |
See Footnote |
See Footnote |
|
Symptomatic herniation of intervertebral disc |
All |
Submit a current status report to include functional status (degree of impairment as measured by strength, range of motion, pain), medications with side effects and all pertinent medical reports |
Requires FAA Decision |
|
Intervertebral Disc Surgery |
All |
See Footnote |
See Footnote |
FAA Footnote: A history of intervertebral disc surgery is not disqualifying. If the applicant is asymptomatic, has completely recovered from surgery, is taking no medication, and has suffered no neurological deficit, the Examiner should confirm these facts in a brief statement in Item 60 (Examiner Comments). The Examiner may then issue any class of medical certificate, providing that the individual meets all the medical standards for that class.
The paraplegic whose paralysis is not the result of a progressive disease process is considered in much the same manner as an amputee. If appropriate, the applicant may pursue a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA), a type of FAA Waiver. The Examiner should defer issuance and may advise the applicant to request further FAA consideration. The applicant may be authorized to take a medical flight test (MFT) along with the private pilot certificate flight test. If successful, the limitation VALID FOR STUDENT PILOT PURPOSES ONLY is removed from the medical certificate, but operational limitations may be added. The FAA would then issue a SODA.
This page discussed the Spine portion of the Musculoskeletal section of the Fight Physical Examination required of pilots.
Reminder: use FlightPhysical.com to familiarize yourself with aviation medical regulations and guidelines, but always discuss your specific situation with one or more AMEs before dedicating resources toward expensive clinical workups. Find an AME now