EAA, GA Groups Meet with New Federal Air Surgeon

February 25, 2021 – EAA and other general aviation groups had the opportunity earlier this month to connect with the FAA's new Federal Air Surgeon, Dr. Susan Northrup, to welcome her to her new position and briefly discuss some of the major issues faced by GA pilots relating to medical certification.

"Having a Federal Air Surgeon such as Dr. Northrup, who grew up in an aviation family and has long been involved in general aviation, is certainly a benefit in future discussions about the issues that GA pilots face," said Sean Elliott, EAA's vice president of advocacy and safety. "We also look forward to working with her in more detail and in conjunction with EAA's Aeromedical Advisory Council."

Dr. Northrup is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and a senior FAA aviation medical examiner. While in the Air Force, she also served as the U.S. delegate to NATO's aeromedical working group. Dr. Northrup and her husband are both involved in general aviation and she has participated previously at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh and at the National Warbirds Operators Conference.

Among EAA's priorities for its members relating to medical issues are reducing delays, paperwork, and expense for medical and special issuances, opportunities that build on the safety success of BasicMed and Sport Pilot certification, and a more transparent process that eliminates the "don't tell, don't treat" perspective among pilots who are fearful of losing their medical certification.