Syncope in Commercial Pilots and New Regulatory Guidance

INTRODUCTION: Syncope is both incapacitating and unpredictable, presenting a significant challenge in aircrew assessment. Previous UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidance lacked transparency and relied heavily on specialist in-house cardiology and neurology opinion. A new algorithm was developed which elaborated and formalized the decision-making process. An analysis of its impact on historic cases was undertaken to ensure it aligned with previous certificatory outcomes.METHODS: The medical literature on syncope and the approaches of other national aviation authorities were reviewed to help inform the development of a new algorithm. Using syncope cases in the CAA database, regulatory outcomes generated using the new algorithm were compared with previous decisions in terms of time off from flying (TOF) and Operational Multi-Crew Limitation (OML) duration.RESULTS: There were 40 historic syncope cases (25 existing certificate holders,15 initial applicants) which were reassessed using the new algorithm. The mean TOF for existing pilots using the new algorithm was 7.1 9.8 (mean SD) vs. 4.2 3.5 mo under the old guidance with an OML duration of 21.4 34.9 vs. 24.5 25.2 mo. One less initial applicant experienced a delay to certification. Four cases with underlying pathology were detected using old and new guidance.DISCUSSION: The reassessment of cases showed no statistically significant difference in TOF and OML duration; this is a positive finding from a regulatory perspective, enabling algorithm-led decision-making with less reliance on in-house expertise. A similar approach may be useful in future updates to other areas of regulatory practice.Anderton RA, Mitchell SJ, ONunain SS.