Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Practice Test

What is the best course of action for an aviation manager when a pilot requires a cardiac pacemaker and holds a first-class airman medical certificate?

1. Contact the HR department for alternate job placements

2. Say the pilot is permanently disqualified based on regulations

3. Refer the pilot to the Employee Assistance Program for support

4. Refer the pilot to an Aviation Medical Examiner to assess eligibility

The correct answer is: Refer the pilot to an Aviation Medical Examiner to assess eligibility

The best course of action for an aviation manager in this scenario is to refer the pilot to an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to assess eligibility. This is because AMEs are specially trained to evaluate pilots' fitness for duty in accordance with FAA regulations. A cardiac pacemaker can affect a pilot's ability to perform their duties safely, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify them from holding a first-class airman medical certificate. The AME will take into account the pilot’s medical history, the specifics of their condition, and the current regulatory guidelines to determine if the pilot is fit to fly. The AME’s assessment is essential since they have the authority to grant or deny medical certificates based on comprehensive evaluations. While looking at alternate job placements through HR, suggesting permanent disqualification, or referring the pilot to support services could be supportive actions, they do not address the regulatory and safety aspects that must be evaluated first. Therefore, the only appropriate and regulatory-compliant action is to seek the expertise of an AME to ensure the pilot's fitness in relation to their medical condition.