On Friday 26th February, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announced a new “FAA Medical Certification Services” benefit program for Part 135 and 91 operators and their pilots. Administered by Harvey Watt & Co., this program was previously available only when combined with insurance products or through airlines for their pilots. The NATA FAA Medical Certification Services program grants an operator’s pilots unlimited confidential access to doctors & nurses, a subscription to Harvey Watt’s monthly Aviation Medical Bulletin and expert representation in submitting documents to the FAA, responding to FAA inquiries, expediting recertification case reviews, appeals, and presenting cases to specialty FAA board hearings.

The program is now exclusively available through NATA to all Part 135 air carriers and their pilots, as well as Part 91 corporate flight departments and their pilots, for a budget-friendly flat, per-pilot monthly fee. NATA members are eligible for a significant additional discount.

“NATA is pleased to work with Harvey Watt & Co.’s highly skilled team to offer this FAA Medical Certification Service to the Part 135 air carrier and corporate flight department communities. The program is designed to keep pilots flying and decrease employer liability. It is also a good recruitment tool for employers and aims to retain talent – an important goal in alleviating today’s pilot staffing challenges,” said NATA President and CEO Thomas L. Hendricks.

As an FAA-recognized “Pilot Advocacy Organization,” Harvey Watt & Co. helps pilots receive expedited case reviews and decisions by leveraging their knowledge of what documentation/testing is needed.

“Thousands of pilots and US Airlines rely on our three levels of assistance now also provided through NATA’s program: education, preventive medical, and FAA re-certification. The Harvey Watt AeroMedical staff is uniquely qualified to advise pilots and leaders, reduce liability, help airmen avoid certification groundings, and get pilots cleared to return to flight or help confirm FAA compliance,” said Dr. Warren Silberman of Harvey Watt & Co.