GENERAL INFORMATION

This section provides input to assist an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), otherwise known as an Examiner, in performing his or her duties in an efficient and effective manner. It also describes AME responsibilities as the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) representative in medical certification matters and as the link between airmen and the FAA.

1. Legal Responsibilities of Designated Aviation Medical Examiners

Title 49, United States Code (U.S.C.) (Transportation), sections 109(9), 40113(a), 44701-44703, and 44709 (1994) formerly codified in the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, as amended, authorizes the FAA Administrator to delegate to qualified private persons; i.e. designated AMEs, matters related to the examination, testing, and inspection necessary to issue a certificate under the U.S.C. and to issue the certificate. Designated Examiners are delegated the Administrator's authority to examine applicants for airman medical certificates and to issue or deny issuance of certificates.

Approximately 450,000 applications for airman medical certification are received and processed each year. The vast majority of medical examinations conducted in connection with these applications are performed by physicians in private practice who have been designated to represent the FAA for this purpose. An AME is a designated representative of the FAA Administrator with important duties and responsibilities. It is essential that AMEs recognize the responsibility associated with their appointment.

At times, an applicant may not have an established treating physician and the AME may elect to fulfill this role. You must consider your responsibilities in your capacity as an AME as well as the potential conflicts that may arise when performing in this dual capacity.

The consequences of a negligent or wrongful certification, which would permit an unqualified person to take the controls of an aircraft, can be serious for the public, for the Government, and for the AME. If the examination is cursory and the AME fails to find a disqualifying defect that should have been discovered in the course of a thorough and careful examination, a safety hazard may be created and the AME may bear the responsibility for the results of such action.

Of equal concern is the situation in which an AME deliberately fails to report a disqualifying condition either observed in the course of the examination or otherwise known to exist. In this situation, both the applicant and the AME in completing the application and medical report form may be found to have committed a violation of Federal criminal law which provides that:

"Whoever in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals, or covers up by any trick, scheme, or device a material fact, or who makes any false, fictitious or fraudulent statements or representations, or entry, may be fined up to $250,000 or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both" (Title 18 U.S. Code. Secs. 1001; 3571).

Cases of falsification may be subject to criminal prosecution by the Department of Justice. This is true whether the false statement is made by the applicant, the AME, or both. In view of the pressures sometimes placed on AMEs by their regular patients to ignore a disqualifying physical defect that the physician knows to exist, it is important that all AMEs be aware of possible consequences of such conduct.

In addition, when an airman has been issued a medical certificate that should not have been issued, it is frequently necessary for the FAA to begin a legal revocation or suspension action to recover the certificate. This procedure is time consuming and costly. Furthermore, until the legal process is completed, the airman may continue to exercise the privileges of the certificate, thereby compromising aviation safety.

2. Authority of Aviation Medical Examiners

The AME is delegated authority to:

The medical standards are found in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 67.

The AME may NOT:

A medical certificate issued by an AME is considered to be affirmed as issued unless, within 60 days after date of issuance (date of examination), it is reversed by the Federal Air Surgeon, a RFS, or the Manager, AMCD. However, if the FAA requests additional information from the applicant within 60 days after the issuance, the above-named officials have 60 days after receipt of the additional information to reverse the issuance.

3. Equipment Requirements

AME EQUIPMENT AND MEDICAL CONFIDENTIALITY

(Updated 08/27/2025) AMEs must have adequate facilities and equipment for performing the required physical examinations. AMEs shall certify, at the time of designation, prior to conducting any FAA examinations, re-designation, or upon request, that they possess and maintain as necessary the equipment specified below.

Indicate the items available in your office with a checkmark:

ITEM	SPECIFICATIONS
2. COLOR VISION TESTINGMust have in office:ORAccess to:ORAbility to give the applicant a referral for testing with one of the approved color vision tests:	☐ Color Assessment & Diagnosis (CAD test)☐ Rabin Cone Test (RCCT) Air Force/Army/Navy/Coast Guard Version☐ Waggoner Computerized Color Vision Test☐ Referred out for testing
3. FIELD OF VISION TESTING – must have at least ONE of the following:	☐ Direct confrontation field-testing (must test all 4 quadrants). No equipment required ☐ Wall Target (50-inch square surface made of black felt or dull/matte finish paper; and a 2-mm white test object, which may be a pin with a handle the same color as the wall target. ☐ Visual Field Perimeter (must test all 4 quadrants).
4. OTHER OFFICE EQUIPMENT – must have ALL of the following:	☐ Computer with internet access and printer ☐ Diagnostic instruments necessary to complete FAA exam ☐ Equipment to measure height and weight ☐ Urinalysis Test Strips to test for albumin and sugarUrine dipstick expiration date on package:
5. SENIOR AME - SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED – must have the following:	☐ Access to electrocardiograph (EKG/ECG) equipment (preferably at your office location). A full 12-lead recorded at 25mm/sec at 10mV is required. Anything less will not be accepted.Brand of ECG equipment
6. EMPLOYEE AME - SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIRED - must have the following6. 1. Color Vision Equipment	☐ Audiometric Equipment. Brand: ☐ Calibration date:☐ Color Vision Equipment: Name: ________________________

AME REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

AME EQUIPMENT AND MEDICAL CONFIDENTIALITY

I hereby certify that I possess and maintain as necessary the equipment specified above in my office or available at the designated location below:

Address: ___________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________ State: __________________________ Zip Code: _______________ Country (if outside the US): ___________________________________

• Telephone Number (Include Area Code): ________________________
• Signature: _____________________________ Date: ____________
• AND

I hereby certify that I maintain confidentiality of medical records at all times.

Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _________________________

Printed Name: _______________________________________ AME number: ________________

4. Medical Certification Decision Making

The format of the Guide establishes aerospace medical dispositions, protocols, and AME Assisted Special Issuances (AASI) identified in Items 21–58 of the FAA Form 8500. This guidance references specific medical tests or procedure(s) the results of which are needed by the FAA to determine the eligibility of the applicant to be medically certificated. The request for this medical information must not be misconstrued as the FAA ordering or mandating that the applicant undergo testing, where clinically inappropriate or contraindicated. The risk of the study based upon the disease state and test conditions must be balanced by the applicant’s desire for certification and determined by the applicant and their healthcare provider(s).

After reviewing the medical history and completing the examination, AMEs must:

AMEs may issue a medical certificate only if the applicant meets all medical standards, including those pertaining to medical history unless otherwise authorized by the FAA.

AMEs may not issue a medical certificate if the applicant fails to meet specified minimum standards or demonstrates any of the findings or diagnoses described in this Guide as "disqualifying" unless the condition is unchanged or improved and the applicant presents written documentation that the FAA has evaluated the condition, found the applicant eligible for certification, and authorized AMEs to issue certificates.

The following medical conditions are specifically disqualifying under 14 CFR part 67. However, the FAA may exercise discretionary authority under the provisions of Authorization of Special Issuance, to issue an airman medical certificate. See Special Issuances section for additional guidance where applicable.

An airman who is medically disqualified for any reason may be considered by the FAA for an Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization). For medical defects, which are static or non-progressive in nature, a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) may be granted in lieu of an Authorization.

The AME may always defer the application to the FAA for action. In the interests of the applicant and of a responsive certification system, however, deferral is appropriate only if: the standards are not met; if there is an unresolved question about the history, the findings, the standards, or agency policy; if the examination is incomplete; if further evaluation is necessary; or if directed by the FAA.

The AME may deny certification only when the applicant clearly does not meet the standards. For information on Denial – see Item 62.

5. Authorization for Special Issuance and AME Assisted Special Issuance (AASI)

A. Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization).

At the discretion of the Federal Air Surgeon, an Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization), valid for a specified period, may be granted to a person who does not meet the established medical standards if the person shows to the satisfaction of the Federal Air Surgeon that the duties authorized by the class of medical certificate applied for can be performed without endangering public safety during the period in which the Authorization would be in force. The Federal Air Surgeon may authorize a special medical flight test, practical test, or medical evaluation for this purpose. A medical certificate of the appropriate class may be issued to a person who fails to meet one or more of the established medical standards if that person possesses a valid agency issued Authorization and is otherwise eligible. An airman medical certificate issued in accordance with the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR § 67.401), shall expire no later than the end of the validity period or upon the withdrawal of the Authorization upon which it is based. An airman must again show to the satisfaction of the Federal Air Surgeon that the duties authorized by the class of medical certificate applied for can be performed without endangering public safety in order to obtain a new medical certificate and/or a Re-Authorization.

In granting an Authorization, the Federal Air Surgeon may consider the person's operational experience and any medical facts that may affect the ability of the person to perform airman duties including:

In granting an Authorization, the Federal Air Surgeon specifies the class of medical certificate authorized to be issued and may do any or all of the following:

Air Surgeon for certification under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401); or

A person who has been granted an Authorization under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401), based on a special medical flight or practical test, need not take the test again during later medical examinations unless the Federal Air Surgeon determines or has reason to believe that the physical deficiency has or may have degraded to a degree to require another special medical flight test or practical test.

The authority of the Federal Air Surgeon under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401) is also exercised by the Manager, AMCD, and each RFS.

If an Authorization is withdrawn at any time, the following procedures apply:

B. AME Assisted Special Issuance (AASI)

(Updated 05/31/2023)

AME Assisted Special Issuance (AASI) is a process that provides AMEs the ability to re-issue an airman medical certificate under the provisions of an Authorization to an applicant who has a medical condition that is disqualifying under 14 CFR part 67. An FAA physician provides the initial certification decision and grants the Authorization in accordance with 14 CFR § 67.401. The Authorization letter is accompanied by attachments that specify the information that treating physician(s) must provide for the reissuance determination. AMEs may re-issue an airman medical certificate under the provisions of an Authorization, if the applicant provides the requisite medical information required for determination. AMEs may not issue initial Authorizations. An AME’s decision or determination is subject to review by the FAA.

Continue Authorization Letter

As of May 2023:

“Please be advised that as long as reports are submitted as outlined in your Authorization letter, certificates are issued correctly, and there have been no changes in your medical condition(s), no further correspondence will be sent from our office.”

An individual may receive a Continue Authorization Letter when:

6. Privacy of Medical Information

(updated 8/26/2026)

A. Within the FAA, access to an individual's medical information is strictly on a "need-to-know" basis. The safeguards of the Privacy Act apply to the application for airman medical certification and to other medical files in the FAA's possession. The FAA does not release medical information without an order from a court of competent jurisdiction, written permission from the individual to whom it applies, or, with the individual's knowledge, during litigation of matters related to certification. The FAA does, however, on request, disclose the fact that an individual holds an airman medical certificate and its class, and it may provide medical information regarding a pilot involved in an accident to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) (or to a physician of the appropriate medical discipline who is retained by the NTSB for use in aircraft accident investigation).

The AME, as a representative of the FAA, should treat the applicant's medical certification information in accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act. Therefore, information should not be released without the written consent of the applicant or an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.

If a court order or subpoena is received by the AME, see the Subpoena for Medical Records or Testimony: AME Guidance.

Similarly, unless the applicant's written consent for release routine in nature (e.g., accompanying a standard insurance company request), the FAA must be contacted before releasing any information. In all cases, copies of all released information should be retained.

B. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and AME’s activities for the FAA.

This Act provides specific patient protections and depending upon an AME’s activation and practice patterns, you may have to comply with additional requirements.

C. AMEs shall certify at the time of designation, re-designation, or upon request that they shall protect the privacy of medical information.

7. Release of Information

(Updated 08/26/2026)

Except in compliance with an order of a court of competent jurisdiction, or upon an applicant's written request, AMEs will not divulge or release copies of any reports prepared in connection with the examination to anyone other than the applicant or the FAA. A copy of the examination may be released to the applicant upon request. (See: Request for Airman Medical Records Form 8065-2).

If a court order or subpoena is received by the AME, see the Subpoena for Medical Records or Testimony: AME Guidance.

Other requests for information will be referred to:

• MANAGER
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, Building 13
• Aerospace Medical Certification Division, AAM-300
• PO Box 25082
• Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9867

8. No "Alternate" Examiners Designated

The AME is to conduct all medical examinations at their designated address only. An AME is not permitted to conduct examinations at a temporary address and is not permitted to name an alternate examiner. During an AME's absence from the permanent office, applicants for airman medical certification shall be referred to another AME in the area.

9. Who May Be Certified

(Updated 05/31/2023)

There is no age restriction or aviation experience requirement for medical certification. Any applicant who qualifies medically may be issued a Medical Certificate regardless of age.

The AME may issue any class of medical certificate without regard to age to any applicant who meets the appropriate medical standards.

There is a maximum age requirement for certain air carrier pilots. This is an operational requirement, not a medical certification requirement.

Pilot Certification (i.e., pilot license certificate). Minimum age requirements are defined in 14 CFR part 61 and vary by type of certificate. See Certification: Pilots and Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors.

Note: As of April 1, 2016 (per Final Rule [81 FR 1292]), AMEs no longer issue a combined FAA Medical Certificate and Student Pilot Certificate. See Student Pilot Rule Change.

There is no language requirement for medical certification.

10. Classes of Medical Certificates

(Updated 06/28/2023)

An applicant may apply for and be granted any class of airman medical certificate as long as the applicant meets the required medical standards for that class of medical certificate.

An applicant must have the appropriate class of medical certificate for the flying duties the pilot intends to exercise. For example, an applicant who exercises the privileges of an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate must hold a first-class medical certificate. That same pilot when holding only a third-class medical certificate may only exercise privileges of a private pilot certificate. Finally, an applicant does not need to hold an ATP airman/pilot certificate to be eligible for a first-class medical certificate.

The type of medical certification required for each type of flying is determined by Flight Standards.

Listed below are the three classes of pilot medical certificates, identifying the categories of airmen (i.e., pilot) certificates applicable to each class.

Note: Effective May 22, 2023, Balloon Pilots exercising Commercial Pilot Privileges, other than instructional flight, must hold at least a Class II FAA

Medical Certificate. See 11/22/2022 Medical Certification Standards for Commercial Balloon Operations 2120-0034.

An airman medical certificate is valid only with the original signature of the AME who performed the examination or with the digital signature of an authorized FAA physician (e.g., Regional Flight Surgeon, manager of the Aerospace Medical Certification Division, Federal Air Surgeon). Please note:

11. Operations Not Requiring a Medical Certificate

(Updated 05/31/2023)

The following do not require a medical certificate; however, applicants must certify that they do not know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make them unable to operate any of the following in a safe manner.

To exercise sport pilot privileges using a current and valid U.S. driver’s license as evidence of qualification, sport pilots must:

Sport pilots may not use a current and valid U.S. driver’s license in lieu of a valid airman medical certificate if they know or have reason to know of any medical condition that would make them unable to operate a light-sport aircraft in a safe manner.

Sport pilot medical provisions are found under 14 CFR §§ 61.3, 61.23, 61.53, and 61.303).

For more information about the sport pilot final rule, see the 2/1/2010 Certification of Aircraft and Airmen for the Operation of Light-Sport Aircraft; Final Rule.

12. Medical Certificates – AME Completion

(Updated 07-26-2017)

o Copies of medical Certificates;

o Typewriter or handwritten certificates;

o Obviously corrected certificates;

o Paper 8500-8 certificates (any remaining paper forms should be destroyed by the AME).

MEDICAL CERTIFICATE LIMITATIONS

(Grouped by System) (Updated 12/12/2024)

Note: This table is provided for convenience. It should NOT be submitted to the FAA. For the most current limitations, see AMCS.

13. Validity of Medical Certificates

An airman medical certificate is valid only with the original signature of the AME who performed the examination or with the digital signature of an authorized FAA physician (e.g., Regional Flight Surgeon, manager of the Aerospace Medical Certification Division, Federal Air Surgeon).

A. First-Class Medical Certificate: A first-class medical certificate is valid for the remainder of the month of issue; plus

6-calendar months for operations requiring a first-class medical certificate if the airman is age 40 or over on or before the date of the examination, or plus

12-calendar months for operations requiring a first-class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination

12-calendar months for operations requiring a second-class medical certificate, or plus

24-calendar months for operations requiring a third-class medical certificate, or plus

60-calendar months for operations requiring a third-class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination.

B. Second-Class Medical Certificate: A second-class medical certificate is valid for the remainder of the month of issue; plus

12-calendar months for operations requiring a second-class medical certificate, or plus

24-calendar months for operations requiring a third-class medical certificate, or plus

60-calendar months for operations requiring a third-class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination.

C. Third-Class Medical Certificate: A third-class medical certificate is valid for the remainder of the month of issue; plus

24-calendar months for operations requiring a third-class medical certificate, or plus

60-calendar months for operations requiring a third-class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination.

14. Title 14 CFR § 61.53, Prohibition on Operations During Medical Deficiency

NOTE: 14 CFR § 61.53 was revised on July 27, 2004, by adding subparagraph (c)

15. Reexamination of an Airman

A medical certificate holder may be required to undergo a reexamination at any time if, in the opinion of the Federal Air Surgeon or authorized representative within the FAA, there is a reasonable basis to question the airman's ability to meet the medical standards. An AME may NOT order such reexamination.

16. Examination Fees

The FAA does not establish fees to be charged by AMEs for the medical examination of persons applying for airman medical certification. It is recommended that the fee be the usual and customary fee established by other physicians in the same general locality for similar services.

17. Replacement of Medical Certificates

(Updated 08/30/2017)

Medical certificates that are lost or accidentally destroyed may be replaced upon proper application provided such certificates have not expired. The request should be sent to:

• FOIA DESK
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, Bldg. 13
• Aerospace Medical Certification Division, AAM-331
• PO Box 25082
• Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9867

The airman's request for replacement must be accompanied by a remittance of two dollars ($2) (check or money order) made payable to the FAA. This request must include:

The replacement certificate will be prepared in the same manner as the missing certificate and will bear the same date of examination regardless of when it is issued.

In an emergency, contact your RFS or the Manager, AMCD, AAM-300, at the above address or by facsimile at 405-954-4300 for certification verification only.

18. Disposition of Applications and Medical Examinations

All completed applications and medical examinations, unless otherwise directed by the FAA, must be transmitted electronically via AMCS within 14 days after completion to the AMCD. These requirements also apply to submissions by International AMEs.

A record of the examination is stored in AMCS, however, AMEs are encouraged to print a copy for their own files. While not required, the AME may also print a summary sheet for the applicant.

19. Protection and Destruction of Forms

(Updated 03/27/2024) Forms are available electronically in AMCS; paper forms are no longer used. AMEs are responsible for the destruction of any paper forms they may still have.

20. Questions, Requests for Assistance, and Technical Support

(Updated 09/29/2021)

AMCS Technical Support: For any questions regarding technical issues related to transmitting exams, please contact the AMCS Support Team. Typical technical issues include AMCS password resets, data entry questions, corrections to transmitted exams, etc.

AMCS Support is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. (CT) and can be reached by:

Other Issues: When an AME has a question or needs assistance in carrying out responsibilities, the AME should contact one of the following individuals:

A. Regional Flight Surgeon (RFS)

B. Manager, AMCD, AAM-300

These inquiries should be made to:

• MANAGER
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, Building 13
• Aerospace Medical Certification Division, AAM-300
• PO Box 25082
• Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9867
• C. Manager, Aeromedical Education Division, AAM-400

These inquiries should be made to:

• MANAGER
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, Building 13
• Aerospace Medical Certification Division, AAM-400
• PO Box 25082
• Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9867

21. Airman Appeals

(Updated 08/30/2017)

A. Request for Reconsideration

An AME’s denial of a medical certificate is not a final FAA denial. An applicant may ask for reconsideration of an AME's denial by submitting a request in writing to:

• MANAGER
• Federal Aviation Administration
• Civil Aerospace Medical Institute, Building 13, Room 308
• Aerospace Medical Certification Division, AAM-300
• PO Box 25082
• Oklahoma City, OK 73125-9867

The AMCD will provide initial reconsideration. Some cases may be referred to the appropriate RFS for action. If the AMCD or a RFS finds that the applicant is not qualified, the applicant is denied and advised of further reconsideration and appeal procedures. These may include reconsideration by the Federal Air Surgeon and/or petition for NTSB review.

B. Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA)

At the discretion of the Federal Air Surgeon, a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) may be granted, instead of an Authorization, to a person whose disqualifying condition is static or non-progressive and who has been found capable of performing airman duties without endangering public safety. A SODA does not expire and authorizes a designated AME to issue a medical certificate of a specified class if the AME finds that the condition described on the SODA has not adversely changed.

In granting a SODA, the Federal Air Surgeon may consider the person's operational experience and any medical facts that may affect the ability of the person to perform airman duties including:

In granting a SODA under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401), the Federal Air Surgeon specifies the class of medical certificate authorized to be issued and may do any of the following:

A SODA granted to a person who does not meet the applicable standards of part 67 may be withdrawn, at the discretion of the Federal Air Surgeon, at any time if:

Air Surgeon for certification under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401);

The authority of the Federal Air Surgeon under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401) is also exercised by the Manager, AMCD, and each RFS.

If a SODA is withdrawn at any time, the following procedures apply:

C. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)

Within 60 days after a final FAA denial of an unrestricted airman medical certificate, an airman may petition the NTSB for a review of that denial. The NTSB does not have jurisdiction to review the denial of a SODA or special issuance airman medical certificate.

A petition for NTSB review must be submitted in writing to:

• National Transportation Safety Board
• 490 L'Enfant Plaza, East SW
• Washington, DC 20594-0001

The NTSB is an independent agency of the Federal Government that has the authority to review on appeal the suspension, amendment, modification, revocation, or denial of any certificate or license issued by the FAA Administrator.

An Administrative Law Judge for the NTSB may hold a formal hearing at which the FAA will present documentary evidence and testimony by medical specialists supporting the denial decision. The petitioner will also be given an opportunity to present evidence and testimony at the hearing. The Administrative Law Judge’s decision is subject to review by the full NTSB.

22. Medical Certificates Requested for any Situation or Job Other than a Pilot or Air Traffic Controller.

(Updated 07/29/2020)

The FAA’s authority to issue airman medical certificates is limited to civil aviation safety considerations by statute (Title 49, United States Code, Chapter 447) and regulation (Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 61 and 67). The Federal Air Surgeon’s authority is therefore limited to considering whether an individual applying for medical certification is physically and mentally qualified to safely perform pilot or air traffic control duties requiring any class of airman medical certificate. This includes contract air traffic control tower operators who are required by regulation to have a class II airman medical certificate.

The Federal Air Surgeon may not give consideration to non-pilot occupational, employment, recreational, or other reasons an individual may have for seeking an airman medical certificate. This would be an abrogation of the Federal Air Surgeon’s safety responsibilities.

Historically, several industries have required certain employees to obtain medical certification by completing an FAA airman medical examination, usually related to accident or health insurance liability issues, e.g., parachute jump instructors, speedboat drivers, and Armed Security Officers (per TSA/DHS requirements).

Those requirements are set by the employer, not by the FAA. The FAA may not put limitations on an airman’s medical certificate, such as “valid for speedboat racing only.” Similarly, the FAA may not issue airman medical certificates with a limitation of “not valid for flying.”

The medical application may not be tailored to specific industries or non-aviation uses. The applicant either meets all of the medical requirements for a specific class, with or without a Special Issuance or SODA, or they do not. The FAA may not issue a medical certificate, for example, if the applicant passed everything except the vision requirement or the hearing requirement for that class because they are not a pilot or ATC. The fact that an employer requires an airman medical certificate for employment is an issue that the individual should address with their employer. It is outside the purview of the FAA.

Once issued an FAA airman medical certificate, the individual may legally use that certificate to become a pilot or perform pilot (or air traffic control) duties, even if the individual specifically denied intent to do so at the time of the application. Therefore, if the FAA issues an airman medical certificate with the intent that the person does not use it to fly, yet they decided to do so, that would be an abrogation of the FAA’s safety duties.

23. Pilot Information – Current Detailed Clinical Progress Note

(Updated 03/30/2022)

In the course of the certification process, the pilot may be asked to provide a current detailed Clinical Progress Note performed within 90 days of the exam from the treating physician. In some instances, the specialty of the physician will be specified (ex. cardiologist or neurologist, etc.). A current detailed Clinical Progress Note must include a summary of the history of the condition; current medications, dosages, and side effects (if any); clinical exam findings; results of any testing performed; diagnosis; assessment; plan (prognosis); and follow-up. Based on the condition, we may require additional, specific criteria.

If the pilot submits patient information from the patient portal or an “After Visit Summary (AVS)” instead of an actual detailed clinical progress note, it may NOT address all of the information the FAA needs to review the application for medical certification. The review process will be significantly delayed if incorrect or incomplete information is submitted. To avoid this, refer the pilot to the Pilot Information – Current Detailed Clinical Progress Note sheets on the following pages.

NOTE: Any reference to a “current status report” or “status report’ is a request for a current detailed Clinical Progress Note as described above.

PILOT INFORMATION – CURRENT DETAILED CLINICAL PROGRESS NOTE (Updated 09/25/2024) The FAA requires a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note to determine your eligibility for a FAA Medical Certificate. If you ask your physician's office for a copy of your progress note, they may direct you to your patient portal to print out “notes” or an “After Visit Summary (AVS).” Patient Portal notes or an AVS that do not meet the criteria listed below for a detailed Clinical Progress Note are NOT sufficient for FAA purposes. Submitting incorrect or incomplete information will delay your medical certification review. To help avoid this, please review the information provided below.

You may wish to share this with your treating physician, so they are aware of the information is reviewed by FAA medical personnel including physicians with expertise in aerospace medicine and a variety of specialties/subspecialties “(such as ENT, ophthalmology, surgery, neurology, neuropsychology family medicine, internal medicine, and cardiology.) Here is how to tell the difference between patient portal notes or AVS vs a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note:

• WHEN YOU SEE
• THIS:

IT MEANS THIS TO FAA Aerospace Medicine:

CURRENT To be “current,” in MOST CASES, the detailed Clinical Progress Note should be from an evaluation in which you saw your treating physician no more than 90 days ago.

(*FAA ATCS clearance exams correlate with birth month, so the treating physician evaluation should be within 90 days of birth month.)

DETAILED

In some instances, the specialty of the physician will be specified (ex.

Cardiologist or neurologist, etc.)

This information is standard in most clinical progress notes. (e.g., Medicare standards).

It Must include the following items:

Please note: A letter stating, “Mr. Smith is ok to fly” (or any other simple note), is NOT a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note and is NOT acceptable.

CLINICAL Describes findings from an actual clinical encounter (usually in office).

• PROGRESS
• NOTE

You may also see this called a “current status report” or “status report” in current

FAA Guidance. Any reference to a “status report” equals the criteria listed on this sheet.

This is part of the actual medical record that details events of your office or hospital visit.

Physicians and other providers understand this term. It may be called a SOAP note or patient note. It has specific components (see “Detailed” above).

A patient “after visit summary” or “patient summary” are NOT sufficient for FAA purposes. To see if your note meets FAA requirements, see the previous page for a comparison between “patient portal or after visit summary” vs. current, detailed Clinical Progress Note.

• WHEN YOU SEE
• THIS:

IT MEANS THIS TO FAA Aerospace Medicine:

• “IT MUST
• SPECIFICALLY
• INCLUDE”

If this language is in your letter, it is to highlight SPECIFIC items (that may or may not be part of a standard current, detailed Clinical Progress Note). Make sure your physician addresses these specific items important for medical certification or clearance.

24. English Proficiency and Pilot Medical Certification

(Updated 10/30/2024)

Proficiency in English is not a medical requirement for pilots; it is a Flight Standards requirement. If the individual is not proficient in English, the AME can issue the medical certificate if the individual is otherwise qualified. However, please note:

o If you have concerns about an individual’s English proficiency, you may (but are not required to) contact your local Flight Standards District Office.

The requirement for English, specifically meeting the Aviation English Language Standard (AELS) requirement, is found in the FAA Part 61 regulations as well as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for international flight operations. FAA regulations in 14CFR61 specifically deal with pilot certification and English proficiency is a requirement for pilots from Students to Airline Transport Pilots, Recreational Pilots, and Instructors. These can be found at: 14CFR61.65(a)(2), 75(b)(5), 83(c), 96(b)(2), 103(c), 123(b), 153(b), and 183(b). English is also a requirement for Flight Engineers and Navigators, 14CFR63.31 and .51.

25. Aeromedical Summary (AMS)

(Updated 08/27/2025)

What is it?

Is this a Detailed Clinical Progress Note (DCPN)?

Who performs an Aeromedical Summary (AMS)?

Do all military pilots have an Aeromedical Summary (AMS)?

How does the FAA use an Aeromedical Summary (AMS)?

Can only military pilots get or have an Aeromedical Summary (AMS)?

Note: Military uses a waiver process. The FAA uses a Special Issuance process.

26. Subpoena for Medical Records or Testimony: AME Guidance

(Updated 08/26/2026)