Becoming an Airline Pilot with Multiple Sclerosis

Viraj Kadakia

Becoming an airline pilot with multiple sclerosis is possible with proper treatment. This is why it is critical to get an early diagnosis - use our self-diagnosis form to get started. 

The Federal Aviation Administration, the primary aviation authority in the United States, has key regulations on multiple sclerosis in order to obtain a 1st-class medical certificate, which is required to become an airline pilot. If you do not live in the United States, check the latest regulations from your country’s aviation regulatory agency.

The FAA is known to be strict on many health conditions due to the impacts they can have on the safety of flights. You must complete a special issuance process through the FAA to earn a medical certificate with multiple sclerosis.

A detailed explanation of what is needed for multiple sclerosis can be found here, but broken down briefly, you need the following:

Your condition must have been stable for at least 6 months before going forward with the following.

1. Neurological Evaluation

This evaluation must meet FAA specifications, which can be found here.

2. Multiple MRI Scans

3. Brain Scan with Gadolinium

4. Brain Scan without Gadolinium

The brain scans must be completed 90 days or less prior to the main regular medical exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). 

a. Cervical Scan with Gadolinium

b. Cervical Scan without Gadolinium

c. Thoracic Scan with Gadolinium

d. Thoracic scan without Gadolinium

5. Eye Evaluation

This requires a clinical progress note from an ophthalmologist with detailed information about your condition and plans for the future. This evaluation must also be 90 days or less to the main AME appointment.

6. Neurophysical Evaluation

This evaluation must meet FAA specifications, which can be found here.

7. Lab Testing

This is only if you have already done the following lab testing or it has been clinically indicated:

a. Rheumatological antibody screening

b. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) testing

c. All evoked potential testing

d. NMO antibody panel

8. Any other testing done by your treating physician

All of this information will be sent to the FAA with the help of your AME, with a deferral diagnosis given until the FAA is able to verify your status to be fit to fly, which may take several months or longer.

However, all the following starts with proper treatment, like proper therapy, in order to stabilize your condition.

Before proceeding with filling out your MedXPress form to get started, book an AME consultation first to gain a deeper understanding of your case. You can find your local AME through the FAA’s website, here.

AnthroHealth Awareness hopes you are able to successfully pursue your career of becoming an airline pilot.

Works Cited

Federal Aviation Administration. "Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)." Federal Aviation Administration, https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator.

Federal Aviation Administration. "MedXPress Disclaimer." Federal Aviation Administration, https://medxpress.faa.gov/MedXpress/Disclaimer.aspx.

Federal Aviation Administration. "Neurocognitive Impairment: 82 FR 48272 - Effects of Expanded Policy for Neurocognitive Impairment on Aviator Applicants for a First-Class Medical Certificate." Federal Aviation Administration, https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/NPevalspecs_neurocog_impairment.pdf.

Federal Aviation Administration. "Neurological Disorders." Federal Aviation Administration, https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/NeurologicalSpecificationSheet.pdf.

Federal Aviation Administration. "Neurological Evaluation of the Aviator with Multiple Sclerosis." Federal Aviation Administration, https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/Multiple-Sclerosis.pdf.

Mayo Clinic Staff. "Multiple Sclerosis: Diagnosis & Treatment." Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350274.