Sooner or later, most of us will be facing an interruption to our flying because of surgery. Here’s what I’ve learned from way too many operations—and, fortunately, only one had time pressure.
The caveats: This column is anecdotal, not advisory. Reliable advice will come from your healthcare professional, AME, or CFI, and, as required, from AOPA—not from me.
And remember FAR 61.53. In summary, it says that if you’re not fit to fly, or are taking medications, you cannot act as PIC or a required crewmember (safety pilot).
There are three main considerations for surgery preparation and recovery. First is the surgery and recovery from it. Second is making absolutely sure your flying skills are still up to snuff, and I’ve personally encountered surprises there. Third is making sure that the plane, if you own it, is taken care of while it’s just sitting there, unflown.
There’s a subtle aspect to preparation for surgery. Renew your medical exam immediately before the procedure. That way, when the next time comes to renew your medical, you can provide paperwork showing a full and complete recovery. FAR 61.53 still applies after surgery, of course, but the FAA will have less to object to at renewal time if it receives a half-inch stack of papers covering diagnosis, ailment progression, surgical report, physical therapy (PT) report, and surgeon clearance.
If you time it…
Source www.planeandpilotmag.com
Ad Amazon : Books UFO
Ad Amazon : Binoculars
Ad Amazon : Telescopes