United States Department of Transportation
i
Medical Certification Strategies in Response to Technologically Advanced Prosthetic Devices
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2018-03-01
[PDF-1.11 MB]
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Edition:Final
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Abstract:INTRODUCTION: Current medical technology provides an effective solution for applicants with either physical or mental conditions to obtain a Federal Administration Administration’s medical certificate if the requirements of operational functionality in their flight duties are met. It is expected that aerospace medical professionals become familiar with currently available and projected advanced medical technologies and develop “new” methods of assessing their potential impact on the aeromedical safety and performance of both aviation and space crews and passengers. The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss few advanced technologies to illustrate some of the challenges associated with the use of new technologies and devices in a high stress environment. In addition, it will propose recommendations pertaining to the evaluation of advanced neuroprosthetics and aeromedical certification of amputee pilots. DISCUSSION: The implications of currently available advanced medical technologies on aerospace safety still remain unknown. The final decision to issue a medical certificate to any user of an advanced medical device will need to be made on a case-by-case basis. RECOMMENDATIONS: To mitigate the risks posed by the predicted increase in the number of devices and advanced technologies in the aerospace environment, it is highly recommended that AMCD start assigning specific pathological codes to pilots using advanced neuro-prosthetics, including microprocessor prosthetic legs and robotic limbs, as well as cochlear implants, and that the manufacturer, model, and software/hardware revision of the device(s) be documented and tracked along with the body region involved. Additional research will be needed to acquire technical data for developing the rules and regulations regarding the compatibility between the cockpit’s environment, including avionics and control systems, with commercially available advanced medical prosthesis to meet the requirements of the MIL-STD-464 standard. Finally, it is important to determine the current population of pilots using advanced medical technology or affected by medical conditions that may potentially require the use of advanced medical technology in the future. Individualized evaluations, focused on performance in both standard and unusual operational settings, including a rapid egress from the cockpit to evaluate advanced prosthesis impact on aviation safety is recommended.
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