Cool electric aircraft…Beginning the future?

Dan Johnson | The Doctor Is In, Web Exclusive | April 4, 2010

Electric is hot! Even in a dull economy with sluggish airplane sales, the spark of electric power is crackling with life. Numerous projects have been announced and organizations like EAA are making way for electric airplanes to showcase themselves at big shows like AirVenture.

Now, from an Italian manufacturer comes the work of world champion hang glider pilot, Manfred Ruhmer, and his Icaro 2000 electric “Nano Trike.”

OK, you may be a pilot who wants structure around yourself and perhaps a glass cockpit with autopilot or the maximum speed permissible. But watch the video and see if this inspires your inner pilot.

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Good for the heart

Guy Baldwin | The Doctor Is In | March 10, 2006

There’s good news for pilots with heart conditions.

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Questions for the doc

Guy Baldwin | The Doctor Is In | October 21, 2005

A lot of readers have questions, so I thought I’d tackle some of those in this column.

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Diabetic? You can still fly — if you’re willing to jump through some hoops

Guy Baldwin | The Doctor Is In | August 5, 2005

I recently had a 43-year-old diabetic pilot in my office for a Third Class Medical. My examination of the airman was unremarkable. His urinalysis was negative for sugar. He was slightly obese. Reports were provided stating he had no hypoglycemic reactions and no ophthalmological, neurological or nephrology problems. His A1C blood test, a measure of average blood glucose control for the past two to three months, was 8.0 — within FAA limits. A report from his family physician stated he was in great shape and his diabetes was adequately controlled. With the information provided, I passed the airman.

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Get your medical back after a heart attack

Guy Baldwin | The Doctor Is In | June 17, 2005

In January, a 66-year-old airline transport rated pilot went to the ER for chest pain. He was evaluated for a myocardial infarction (heart attack). The enzymes that we do when people enter the ER were negative for heart damage and his EKG was within normal range. However, his chest pain persisted.

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When does your medical run out?

Guy Baldwin | The Doctor Is In | May 20, 2005

It’s a question that even AMEs have a hard time deciding: Exactly when does a medical run out?

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Think it’s just a freckle? Maybe, but it could be cancer

Guy Baldwin | The Doctor Is In | April 22, 2005

In the course of examining airmen for FAA medical certificates, aeromedical examiners sometimes see skin lesions of various kinds. Most are inconsequential, but we sometimes find cancerous growths. Any time the word “cancer” comes up, it is a scary situation.

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It’s enough to make you sick

Guy Baldwin | The Doctor Is In | February 25, 2005

A fairly common occurrence with pilots is air sickness — the nausea or vomiting associated with flying, especially when flying aerobatics.

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Convictions: Done some time? Don’t lie about it during your medical or you may stay ground bound

Guy Baldwin | The Doctor Is In | January 28, 2005

Many years ago, an airman visited my office at six-month intervals for his Class I medical. He was approximately 35 years old, in good health and his 8500-8 was always filled out perfectly with “no’s” on all of the items, particularly on item 18 in regard to misdemeanor or felony convictions.

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What’s up doc?

Guy Baldwin | The Doctor Is In | December 10, 2004

How important is your choice of Aviation Medical Examiner?

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