The critical reference book for instructors, pilots, and physicians by author Larry Diamond has been published by 107 School in the interest of educating its clients.
Melrose, Florida — August 20, 2024, 107 School has announced its publication of Aviate & Medicate: A Compendium of FAA-Approved Medication, by Larry M. Diamond, PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) and flight
instructor. The book forms a critical reference guide for pilots and physicians as they seek to understand and navigate the sometimes complicated path pilots follow to ensuring their physical and mental health while maintaining an active medical certificate.
Diamond has followed his previous work, The Pilot’s Primer for Medications (2014), with this complete revision, adding in updated chapters on drugs prescribed for depression and other mental health issues, as well as a new chapter on false-positive drug tests. A pharmacist for 44 years, Diamond understands the unique concerns pilots have in protecting their health alongside their ability to fly.
“I received a lot of questions as an instructor,” said Diamond, “and determined I would write a book explaining in a nice, concise, easy-to-remember way, using all my experience and put it into a language pilots would understand. They need to know the Ws: ‘Why are you taking the medicine? What are the benefits going to be? And why should you take it, and how does it work?’”
Diamond is a regular contributor to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association as a medication writer for its Pilot Protection Services. He delivers seminars at events, such as EAA AirVenture, and serves as adjunct faculty to the physician assistant program at Lawrence Technical University.
107 School founder John Ellis said of Diamond’s contribution to pilot knowledge, “Thank you Dr. Larry for your generosity and grace—he is a scholar and a gentleman. I hold him in the highest esteem imaginable, for his character and kindness foremost. His love of aviation and science is an inspiration.”
The 156-page book includes forwards from aviation educator and humorist Rod Machado, HIMS program physician Dr. Ian Blair Fries, master instructor and aviation journalist Meg Godlewski, and physician Dr. Jonathan Sackier, the AOPA medical expert for aeromedical concerns. It comes in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle ebook, and can be ordered via www.107school.com/ aviatemedicate or on Amazon. Pricing is $24.99 for the ebook, $29.99 for the paperback, and $44.99 for the hardcover edition.
“Dr. Diamond’s book is the pilot’s practical resource for prescription medication,” said Rod Machado, flight instructor and author. “It’s easy to navigate, easy to read, and easy to use. It’s your initial source for identifying the medications that the FAA considers acceptable at this point in time. So prepare for your next medical examination by reading Dr. Diamond’s book now, not later.”
“The good doctor provides tips for talking to your regular physicians—sometimes it’s a simple as telling your doctor you are a pilot and asking if the medication is FAA approved—and if the doctor is not sure, now you know you know how to look it up,” said Meg Godlewski, Gold Seal flight instructor and technical editor for Flying magazine.
“Dr. Larry Diamond, a recognized pharmacologist, pharmacology teacher, and pilot has been a personal friend for many years,” said Dr. Ian Blair Fries, M.D., Senior HIMS AME, SAP, MRO Chairman, and AOPA Board of Medical Advisors. “He has assisted me in evaluating and advising pilots concerning their medications. This includes the effects medications may have upon required random testing, and how long after taking a medication a pilot should wait before entering the cockpit.”
“Now that the good Dr. Diamond has completed Aviate & Medicate: A Compendium of FAA-Ap- proved Medications, I shall have to find another space in my bookcase,” said Dr. Jonathan M. Sackier, MB, ChB, FRCS, FACS, and DSc (Honoris causa). “Pilots, including me, are a unique bunch for many reasons, not least of which because we are required to look after our health to retain our right to fly. Given the complexity of diseases and cures, it is easy to run afoul of the regulations. Aviate & Medicate helps us fly the right side of the regulations. The safe and responsible use of medications is an essential consideration for pilots.”
