What should pilots do if they experience significant medical issues before a flight?

Pilots experiencing significant medical issues before a flight should report their condition to an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). This is crucial because the AME is trained to assess the pilot’s medical fitness for flying. By consulting the AME, pilots can receive professional guidance on whether it is safe to fly or if any restrictions are necessary based on their medical condition. This step prioritizes safety, ensuring that pilots are in optimal health to execute their duties effectively and securely.

Other approaches, such as ignoring the issues or relying on a co-pilot or backup pilot, do not address the underlying medical concerns and could jeopardize the safety of the flight. Ignoring medical issues could lead to serious consequences while flying, including impaired judgment or responsiveness. Consulting co-pilots or backup pilots about medical issues does not replace the requirement for a professional evaluation from an AME, and should not be viewed as a substitute for addressing the medical condition directly with a qualified medical professional.