FAA clarifies COPD/asthma thresholds and AASI process changes
Summary
Presenters clarified that COPD row A requires pulse‑ox 96% at rest on room air (no oxygen), removed medication‑count limits for the asthma AASI, aligned sarcoid wording for stage 1, and fixed a hematocrit question for low‑testosterone status summaries.
FAA medical staff clarified several technical points in the AME Guide to reduce confusion for AMEs and speed certification decisions. On COPD, they confirmed the row A pulse‑ox criterion means 96 percent at rest breathing room air (no supplemental oxygen). For asthma, the AASI (Asthma‑Associated Special Issuance) will no longer restrict pilots based on the number of different inhaled medications; existing FEV1 thresholds remain (AASI FEV1 at 70%, standard at 80%).
Staff also updated sarcoidosis wording to align with clinical usage (pulmonary stage 1 defined as bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy generally qualifying for row A), and corrected a low‑testosterone status summary question to remove an unintended gap between hematocrit values of 54% and 55%. Finally, they reiterated that pilots on antidepressant AASI protocols should continue to follow their old authorization letter until the new AASI auth letter is issued; annual physician visits (MD/DO/MBBS) are required with interim six‑month follow ups allowed with NPs or PAs.
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