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Drones, love 'em or hate 'em, are here to stay. The FAA announced groundbreaking approvals this week for commercial drone operations of delivery packages involving unmanned aircraft outside the sight line of drone operators -- paving the way for packages to be delivered remotely to your doorstep using drones operated by pilots miles away. With these changes come issues and a litany of considerations -- from safety to airspace congestion to cooperation of competing firms sharing the same airspace. 

Kidney stones are estimated to affect one in 10 individuals and are a common source of aeromedical certification questions from pilots. On this episode we also discuss what these stones are, how they are produced, and how they are diagnosed and treated. Then we cover how to prepare when it comes time to reporting a kidney stone on your FAA medical application. 

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On this episode, we reflect on EAA's AirVenture 2024, Boeing's forecast for the future of personnel needs in the field of aviation, and CACI qualification criteria for chronic Hepatitis C.

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One of the most common medical conditions encountered by pilots is elevated blood pressure.  On this episode we discuss what is allowed for maximum blood pressure levels, what medications are approved, and the options available to pilots who find themselves dealing with hypertension.

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Mitch and Clay return from vacation and step back up to the Clear Approach podcast microphone. On this episode, they discuss updates to the FAA's approach to "uncomplicated" anxiety and depression, review the FAA streamlining efforts for re-certifying pilots with Special Issuance Authorization related to coronary artery disease and more.

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Most of us take for granted the bean-shaped organs located along our flanks that are responsible for filtering the blood and maintaining fluid balance in the body.  But what happens when things go wrong with the beans?  How will this affect aeromedical certification for pilots?   This episode covers current requirements for obtaining and maintaining your medical certificate  for individuals with kidney issues.

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Several announcements this week to FAA aviation medical examiners by the agency will significantly decrease the burden on pilots with certain uncomplicated mental health conditions,  eliminate the need for exercise stress tests for renewal of Special Issuance Authorization for pilots with coronary artery disease -- and other streamlining efforts are on the horizon.

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The presence of a tremor has, in the past, delayed efforts of pilots to become medically certified.  Use of CACI criteria now streamlines the process.  In this episode, we review what is required and touch base on the new FAA reauthorization bill that was signed into law last week.

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Pilots often forget to report arthritis or musculoskeletal injuries on their FAA medical application.  On this episode, we walk.....er, tiptoe....through the process of reporting these common conditions and what is allowed by the FAA to maintain your flight physical.

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The Aerospace Medical Association (ASMA) is the largest gathering of aviation and aerospace experts in the country with its recent annual meeting concluding in Chicago this week.  We discuss some of the highlights and then review recent FAA updates regarding use of certain medications for weight loss.

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Asthma is a common condition in the general population and is often worse during allergy seasons in the spring and fall. Is being diagnosed with asthma a significant barrier to obtaining a medical certificate?  We discuss stages of asthma severity and how FAA medical certification may be affected.