In this episode, the Ison brothers mix sharp legal advice with candid stories and a touch of self-deprecating humor as they discuss the new Mosaic rule and what it really means for pilots hoping to fly under light sport privileges. 

Wondering if a medical deferral ends your flying dreams, or if your driver’s license is enough to keep you in the cockpit? They pull back the curtain on misconceptions and walk you through real scenarios, all while keeping things light and entertaining. 

Don’t miss this honest, practical chat straight from a team that lives and breathes aviation law.

Show Highlights

• Discover how MOSAIC affects your eligibility to operate [06:48]
• What if your most recent medical application has been suspended [09:22]
• Here is the link between driving licenses and the aviation world [11:01]
• Find out the changes that occurred after MOSAIC [16:44]
• Does a deferral equate to ineligibility for light sport privileges? [19:37]
• How do the FAA’s selective responses shape legal interpretations? [20:22]
• This is when you should not apply for an FAA medical certificate [23:29]

For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/

In this episode, the Ison brothers pull back the curtain on the step-by-step process of challenging an FAA denial before the NTSB. You’ll hear real talk about what kinds of denials can actually be appealed, when a special issuance is your best bet, and why simply missing a box on your application could put your flying future at risk.

With plenty of humor and a few unexpected stories, they make even the most confusing FAA rules easy to follow. Tune in and find out how you can keep your aviation dreams alive, even when the paperwork seems stacked against you.

Show Highlights

• This is when you don’t need to go to the NTSB [05:19]
• Do you know how a special issuance can help you? [06:50]
• What would you need as proof at the NTSB? [09:32]
• Discover important facts about VA disability and medical application reporting [13:11]
• Learn about specifically vs non-specifically disqualifying conditions [20:53]
• What happens after you get a discretionary denial? [22:29]
• How is your medical file the cornerstone of your defense? [26:31]
• Learn the process of filing a petition with the NTSB [28:18]

For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/

In this episode, the Ison Brothers share behind-the-scenes stories from their legal travels and discuss the truth about navigating FAA medical certification. Find out what actually triggers a full-blown HIMS requirement, how a single DUI can change your career, and what to expect from the process, without the jargon or confusion.

Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on surprising ways your driving record could impact your flying future. Tune in for real talk, expert advice, and a few laughs you won’t want to miss.

Show Highlights

• What to expect from the HIMS program as a pilot? [04:40]
• Is the HIMS program only for those with substance dependence? [07:48]
• Discover the four FAA criteria for substance dependence [10:38]
• The debate over the Impaired Control of Use being subjective [14:11]
• Are you getting the right advice about the HIMS program? [18:31]
• How can a driving history lead to a psychological disqualification? [23:55]
• Do you know what might trigger the FAA’s scrutiny? [25:08]
• Find out the steps involved in the FAA's HIMS program [29:10]

For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/

In this episode, the Ison Brothers share behind-the-scenes stories from their legal travels and discuss the truth about navigating FAA medical certification. Find out what actually triggers a full-blown HIMS requirement, how a single DUI can change your career, and what to expect from the process, without the jargon or confusion. 

Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop on surprising ways your driving record could impact your flying future. Tune in for real talk, expert advice, and a few laughs you won’t want to miss.

Show Highlights

• What to expect from the HIMS program as a pilot? [04:40]
• Is the HIMS program only for those with substance dependence? [07:48]
• Discover the four FAA criteria for substance dependence [10:38]
• The debate over the Impaired Control of Use being subjective [14:11]
• Are you getting the right advice about the HIMS program? [18:31]
• How can a driving history lead to a psychological disqualification? [23:55]
• Do you know what might trigger the FAA’s scrutiny? [25:08]
• Find out the steps involved in the FAA's HIMS program [29:10]

For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/

In today’s episode, the Ison brothers discuss a failed neuropsych evaluation and what really happens after an unfavorable test result. They will share real-world stories, and even sprinkle in some unexpected humor about navigation mishaps and the Bermuda Triangle. 

They’ll guide you through why these tests happen, what the FAA regulations say, and how a second chance might be possible. If you’re a pilot facing medical hurdles or just love smart banter about aviation, this episode brings reassurance, clarity, and a few good laughs. 

Don’t miss the practical tips and genuine encouragement you didn’t know you needed!

Show Highlights

• Discover FAA regulations about cognitive deficiencies [07:52]
• The different protocols for substance abuse and substance dependence [11:20]
• What happens if your cognitive test results fall short? [13:07]
• Explore the options when it comes to retesting [24:01]
• How can you be sure your evaluator is the right fit? [24:48]
• This is how the appeals process and NTSB Hearings work [25:35]
• How are you mentally framing your spending and reimbursements? [28:48]
• Learn to prepare yourself before your next psych evaluation [34:22]

For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/

In this episode, the Ison brothers talk about the often-overlooked topic of skin cancer and how it can impact your FAA medical certificate. With their signature humor and practical tips, they’ll guide you through what the FAA really wants to see in your paperwork—and how you can avoid unnecessary delays. 

You’ll get real-world scenarios, candid advice, and a few laughs about life both inside and outside the cockpit. Don’t miss this chance to get smarter, and maybe even smile, about your next aviation medical exam!

Show Highlights

• How do you navigate FAA Skin Cancer protocols? [06:16]
• Is Cancer a disqualifying condition? [07:21]
• What is the recurrence of cancer symptoms? [10:19]
• Know this before getting an AME appointment [11:53]
• Are you facing a medical clearance deferral? [16:22]
• What to do when you’re off the medication? [17:34]
• Discover FAA’s standards for melanoma cases [18:07]
• How can a past DUI impact a pilot? [22:25]

For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/

In this episode, the Ison brothers tackle the tricky world of FAA medical certifications with their trademark humor and practical advice. Listen in as they explain actual vs. constructive possession and discuss what pilots should do if they find themselves facing a drug-related charge. 

From viral memes to real-life legal snafus, this episode offers both laughs and clarity. Before you grab that next bottle of sauce or your flight bag, tune in to make sure you're ready for takeoff.

Show Highlights

• Learn the difference between actual & constructive possession [05:06]
• These complexities of possession charges might surprise you [08:11]
• How to answer question 18W on the medical application? [09:27]
• Here is a real-life incident of marijuana possession [12:48]
• Discover the link between CFR 61.51 and possession charges [14:26]
• What if a pilot discovers a vape pen with THC in their bag? [17:59]
• When would they ask for a 48-hour drug test? [22:17]
• Find out what a substance abuse evaluation is [24:56]

For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/

In today’s episode, the Ison Brothers bring wit and real-world experience as they discuss why the FAA keeps their recommended psychiatrists off official lists and what that means for pilots. 

You’ll hear stories of Derby day balloon mishaps, learn how to spot a truly FAA-savvy psychiatrist, and get straight answers on the new rules for in-person evaluations. Ever wondered what happens if a pilot notices something “off” in their co-pilot? This episode’s cockpit conundrum tackles just that. 

If you’re aviation-curious, you won’t want to miss this candid conversation.

Show Highlights

• How do you know if you need a HIMS AME for evaluation? [04:30]
• Is there a public listing for HIMS psychiatrists? [06:44]
• Discover the criterion for selecting a HIMS psychiatrist [08:21]
• Find out what the FAA will not accept as an evaluation [10:00]
• How can you identify the fake lists available online? [14:27]
• What does the FAA say about virtual & in-person evaluations? [15:14]
• You need to know this about reporting a pilot’s mental health concerns [21:41]
• Learn to look at your medical history from an FAA perspective [24:!6]

For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/

In today’s episode, the Ison Brothers pull back the curtain on what really happens when a concussion or head injury shows up in your flight record—raising the questions you didn’t even know to ask during your FAA medical certification journey. 

Ever wondered if that harmless knock to the head could ground your dreams or what “bottle to throttle” really means for your next flight? This episode is a must-listen, blending expert advice with the brothers’ unbeatable banter and some surprising twists. 

Tune in and find out why a letter from your neurologist could make all the difference before your next AME visit! 

Show Highlights

• The connection between concussions and traumatic brain injuries [03:20]
• What gets disclosed in FAA medical records? [11:54]
• This is when a concussion can be an issue [14:12]
• What is asked in the FAA’s Brain Injury Decision chart? [14:22]
• How can being unconscious factor in to your benefit? [17:02] 
• Discover the challenge in this week’s Cockpit Conundrum [22:11]
• What to do before seeing an AME? [23:33]
• Learn the importance of a letter from your neurologist [27:25]

For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/

The Ison brothers are back, serving up sharp insights and quick wit as they explore how the FAA views sleep issues - and why it’s not just about being tired. From the surprising place insomnia lands on your medical forms to the paperwork the FAA wants to see, you’ll get the inside scoop you won’t find anywhere else. 

You will get to enjoy their trademark banter, a fresh “cockpit conundrum,” and behind-the-scenes stories from their lives as aviation attorneys. If you are a pilot or just someone who needs aviation advice, this episode promises answers and laughs in equal measure. 

Don’t miss what could be the most entertaining way to learn about aviation law!

Show Highlights

• How does the DSM-5 categorize insomnia? [07:38]
• Discover the context of operating under a known deficiency [09:31]
• Here is what the 14 CFR 61.53 says about insomnia [10:27]
• Find out where the federal air surgeon’s input is required [12:32]
• Learn about the disqualifying insomnia treatments [16:42]
• Here is the show’s new segment - the Cockpit Conundrum [21:54]
• What happens when you are taking disqualifying medications? [25:52]
• Discover how a simple letter from your doctor could help you [28:09]

For more information or to get in touch with us, go to https://thepilotlawyer.com/contact/