Mayo Clinic Clear Approach
Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine
Mayo Clinic Clear Approach tackles medical topics important to commercial aviators, recreational pilots, or just folks interested in things that fly. Current topics from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and aviation trends are explored in a serious but sometimes humorous way. Mayo Clinic Clear Approach focuses on a perspective from "the other side of the gurney." Let us navigate the storms of aeromedical certification, medical issues that may affect pilots, and share experiences with and from other pilots to break through life's sometimes stormy clouds and focus in on a clear approach.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 27, 2026 • 14min
Go With the Flow: Updates on drones and clots
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we discuss the amazing advancements in the world of drone technology -- the fastest growing sector in the aviation space. In addition, we review thromboembolic disease, the medical term for clots either in the lung or in an extremity that can be life-threatening, and potentially jeopardize your medical certificate. What is required for Special Issuance Authorization? Is there a stand down time? What do I need to report at my next flight physical if I encounter a pulmonary embolism or a deep venous thrombosis?
Mar 13, 2026 • 22min
Restructuring for the Future and Updating GI Conditions
They tour a major downtown campus rebuild, new facilities, transport tech, and timelines for 2028–2030. They unpack FAA reorganization and how it changes medical review timelines. They review updated guidance on liver conditions: fatty liver scoring, cirrhosis workup, variceal risks and recovery, living donation criteria, and post-transplant certification rules.
Dec 19, 2025 • 14min
Holiday Happiness in the "Land of Misfit Toys"
Send us Fan MailMany pilots who have visited the Mayo Clinic Section of Transportation Medicine had early Christmas presents this year when they received their medical certificates. On this episode, we review some of those cases and update listeners on the newest FAA aeromedical certification changes released this month.
Nov 21, 2025 • 17min
Discover a "Secret Resource" to Speed Up Your Aeromedical Certification
Send us Fan MailAs the holiday season approaches, one gift to pilots is the AME Guide available from the FAA on line as an insider resource to aviators preparing for their flight physicals. Think of preparation for a flight physical as a pre-flight inspection of yourself. Medical conditions never seem to strike at convenient times, so having an online, free, and accessible guide to understanding what tests and materials might be required by your AME is a true gift in the process of navigating FAA medical certification.
Nov 14, 2025 • 15min
Seeing Through Glaucoma
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we review glaucoma, one of the most common causes of visual acuity loss in older adults and gradually affects visual field of pilots if not detected early. That early detection is a key factor in preventing its effects. What about aeromedical certification implications? Is there CACI criteria available for glaucoma? Is a pilot able to hold a medical certificate with this condition?
Nov 7, 2025 • 20min
Certification After Sudden Cardiac Death Episodes or with Brugada Pattern on ECG
Michael Ackerman, a genetic cardiologist who directs Mayo Clinic’s genetic heart rhythm and sudden death labs, discusses genetics and AI tools for spotting families at risk of sudden cardiac death. He talks about restoring pilots after resuscitation, distinguishing Brugada pattern from syndrome, and working with regulators to use data for fair aviation certification decisions.
Oct 31, 2025 • 23min
Wheeze Bad -- A Short Primer on Certification with Respiratory Issues
In this discussion, Dr. Wigdan Farah, a pulmonologist specializing in preventive and pulmonary medicine, dives into the intricacies of respiratory conditions affecting pilots. She explains asthma, its management, and the FAA's rigorous certification standards. Dr. Farah also sheds light on interstitial lung disease, its causes, and risks like pneumothorax, which can threaten flight safety. Furthermore, she discusses lung cancer screening advancements and treatment options, emphasizing early detection's importance. This episode is packed with critical information for anyone in aviation!
Oct 17, 2025 • 23min
Legal Beagles - Aeromedical Certification from the Perspective of an Aviation Attorney
Anthony Eisen, a Florida aviation attorney who defends FAA medical certification cases and co-hosts the Pilot Lawyer podcast. He discusses falsification risks from simple form errors and omitted history. He covers when to amend applications, working with AMEs to clarify discrepancies, common triggers like DUIs and mental health, and liability questions around BasicMed.
Oct 3, 2025 • 16min
Government shutdown? What now? Let's talk Skin Cancer
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we review any potential changes in flight physical reviews on the basis of the government shutdown. In addition, with the outstanding weather this fall in the upper Midwest, we review ultraviolet radiation effects as it pertains to skin cancer and how that can affect aeromedical certification.
Sep 26, 2025 • 17min
FAA Updates from the Civil Aviation Medical Association meeting and AME Grand Rounds
Send us Fan MailOn this episode, we discuss items learned at the Civil Aviation Medical Association meeting (CAMA) in Spokane, Washington along with a few updates from the FAA communicated on the recent AME Grand Rounds held virtually this past week.
