Guidance for medical examiners when assessing a patient for either a general topic or condition - Medical treatments, procedures and investigations.
Overview
There is a wide range of medical treatments and investigations that may affect the ability to fly safely. If there are side effects or complications following the treatment/investigation, then the recommended stand-down period should be extended.
The recommended no-flying/no-controlling time relates to treatment or investigation only. The medical matter or reason for the procedure must be considered separately – refer to your DAME or CASA.
These recommendations apply to all medical certificate class holders.
Recommended minimum stand-down times
The times stated below assume the certificate holder is feeling well afterwards and the treatment/procedure/investigation is uncomplicated.
If the certificate holder is unwell or there are medical complications, then you must refer to your DAME or CASA.
| Treatment/Investigation | Recommended minimum no-flying / no-controlling | Comments/Reasons |
|---|---|---|
| Routine blood tests | No restriction on flying/controlling | No acute effect on circulating blood volume |
| Local anaesthetics (including dental) | 12 hours | Pain, distraction, delayed hypersensitivity |
| Vaccinations | 24 hours | Delayed hypersensitivity reactions |
| Allergy desensitisation injections | 24 hours | Delayed hypersensitivity reactions |
| Blood & plasma donation /venesection | 24 hours | Increased risk of hypoxia and hypotension |
| Steroid joint injection | 24 hours | Underlying condition must be stable/resolved |
| Sedation (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, in-chair dental procedures) | 24 hours | Cognitive effects of medications used |
| General anaesthetic (including spinal or epidural) |
48 hours (+ recovery from type of surgery) | Cognitive effects of medications used |
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Disclaimer
The clinical practice guidelines is provided by way of guidance only and subject to the clinical practice guidelines disclaimer.