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  1. Reference Library
  2. Handbooks & Guides
  3. AME Guide
  4. Section 11
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Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
  1. Front Matter
  2. Section 1: GENERAL INFORMATION
  3. Section 2: APPLICATION FOR MEDICAL CERTIFICATION
  4. Section 3: EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES
  5. Section 4: AME PHYSICAL EXAMINATION INFORMATION AND DISPOSITION TABLES
  6. Section 5: ITEMS 31-34. Eye
  7. Section 6: ITEM 35. Lungs and Chest
  8. Section 7: ITEM 36. Heart
  9. Section 8: ITEM 37. Vascular System
  10. Section 9: ITEM 38. Abdomen and Viscera
  11. Section 10: ITEM 39. Anus
  12. Section 11: ITEM 40. Skin
  13. Section 12: ITEM 41. G-U System
  14. Section 13: ITEMS 42-43. Musculoskeletal
  15. Section 14: ITEM 44. Identifying Body Marks, Scars, Tattoos
  16. Section 15: ITEM 45. Lymphatics
  17. Section 16: ITEM 46. Neurologic
  18. Section 17: ITEM 47. Psychiatric
  19. Section 18: ITEM 48. General Systemic
  20. Section 19: AME OFFICE-REQUIRED ANCILLARY TESTING
  21. Section 20: AMCS SUPPORT DESK
  22. Section 21: APPLICATION REVIEW
  23. Section 22: CACI CONDITIONS
  24. Section 23: DISEASE PROTOCOLS
  25. Section 24: PHARMACEUTICALS
  26. Section 25: AME ASSISTED SPECIAL ISSUANCES (AASI)
  27. Section 26: SUBSTANCES OF DEPENDENCE/ABUSE
  28. Section 27: Drug/Alcohol Monitoring Programs and HIMS
  29. Section 28: SYNOPSIS OF MEDICAL STANDARDS
  30. Section 29: Student Pilot Rule Change
  31. Section 30: GLOSSARY
  32. Section 31: ARCHIVES AND UPDATES

Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners|Version 09/30/2026

Section 11

ITEM 40. Skin

7 pages|Pages 244–250

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CHECK EACH ITEM IN APPROPRIATE COLUMN NORMAL ABNORMAL

40.

Skin

I. Code of Federal Regulations

All Classes: 14 CFR 67.113(b)(c), 67.213(b)(c), and 67.313(b)(c)

(b) No other organic, functional, or structural disease, defect, or limitation that the Federal Air Surgeon, based on the case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the condition involved, finds -

(1)

Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or

(2)

May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the airman medical certificate applied for or held, to make the person unable to perform those duties or exercise those privileges.

(c)

No medication or other treatment that the Federal Air Surgeon, based on the case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the medication or other treatment involved, finds:

(1)

Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or

(2)

May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the airman medical certificate applied for or held, to make the person unable to perform those duties or exercise those privileges.

II. Examination Techniques

A careful examination of the skin may reveal underlying systemic disorders of clinical importance. For example, thyroid disease may produce changes in the skin and fingernails. Cushing's disease may produce abdominal striae, and abnormal pigmentation of the skin occurs with Addison's disease.

Needle marks that suggest drug abuse should be noted and body marks and scars should be described and correlated with known history. Further history should be obtained as needed to explain findings.

The use of isotretinoin (Accutane) can be associated with vision and psychiatric side effects of aeromedical concern – specifically decreased night vision/night blindness and depression. These side-effects can occur even after the cessation of isotretinoin. See Aeromedical Decision Considerations.

III. Aerospace Medical Disposition

The following is a table that lists the most common conditions of aeromedical significance, and course of action that should be taken by the AME as defined by the protocol and disposition in the table. Medical certificates must not be issued to an applicant with medical conditions that require deferral, or for any condition not listed in the table that may result in sudden or subtle incapacitation without consulting the AMCD or the RFS. Medical documentation must be submitted for any condition in order to support an issuance of an airman medical certificate.

  • CUTANEOUS
  • All classes
  • (Updated 09/24/2025)
DISEASE/CONDITIONEVALUATION DATADISPOSITION
Raynaud’s Syndrome(Primary Raynaud’s/Raynaud’s Disease or Secondary Raynaud’s/Raynaud’s Phenomenon)See Vascular SectionSee Vascular Section
Dermatomyositis; Deep mycotic infections; Eruptive Xanthomas; Hansen's Disease; Lupus Erythematosus; or SclerodermaSubmit all pertinent medical information and current status report.Requires FAA Decision
Kaposi's SarcomaSubmit all pertinent medical information and current status report.See HIV ProtocolRequires FAA Decision
Use of isotretinoin (Accutane)For applicants using isotretinoin, there is a mandatory 2-week waiting period after starting isotretinoin prior to consideration. This medication can be associated with vision and psychiatric side effects of aeromedical concern - specifically decreased night vision/night blindness and depression. These side-effects can occur even after cessation of isotretinoin. A report must be provided with detailed, specific comment on presence or absence of psychiatric and vision side-effects. The AME must document these findings in Item 60., Comments on History and Findings.Any history of psychiatric side-effect requires FAA Decision. If there is no vision, psychiatric, or other aeromedically unacceptable side-effects:Issue with restriction “NOT VALID FOR NIGHT FLYING.”To remove restriction: *See notes on next page

*Notes:

Use of isotretinoin must be permanently discontinued for at least 2 weeks prior to consideration date (confirmed by the prescribing physician);

An eye evaluation in accordance with specifications in 8500-7; and

Airman must provide a statement of discontinuation o Confirming the absence of any visual disturbances and psychiatric symptoms, and o Acknowledging requirement to notify the FAA and obtain clearance prior to performing any aviation safety-related duties if use of isotretinoin is resumed.

  • PSORIASIS
  • All Classes
  • (Updated 08/27/2025)
DISEASE/CONDITIONEVALUATION DATADISPOSITION
A. Mild to moderate disease confined to the skinANDTreated with topical medication onlyIf the AME can determine the condition is under control, current medications are acceptable, and no symptoms that would interfere with flight or safety related duties:Symbol: A. Mild to moderate disease confined to the skin
AND
Treated with topical medication onlyISSUEAnnotate this information in Block 60.
B. Mild to moderate diseaseANDTreated with oral or injectable medicationIf psoriatic arthritis present, see CACI – Arthritis WorksheetSee the CACI - Psoriasis Worksheet.This requires a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note from the treating physician.If the pilot meets all CACI worksheet criteria and is otherwise qualified:Symbol: B. Mild to moderate disease
AND
Treated with oral or injectable medication
If psoriatic arthritis present, see CACI – Arthritis WorksheetISSUE Annotate (elements or findings) in Block 60. Annotate the correct CACI statement in Block 60 and keep the required supporting information on file.
C. All others including:• Erythrodermic psoriasis• Pustular psoriasis• Severe psoriasisSubmit the following for FAA review:A current, detailed Clinical Progress Note generated from a clinic visit with the treating Dermatologist or Rheumatologist no more than 90 days prior to the AME exam. It must include:• A detailed summary of the history of the condition;• Current medications, dosage, and side effects (if any);• Physical exam findings;• Results of any testing performed;• Diagnosis;• Assessment and plan;• Prognosis; and• Follow-up.The Clinical Progress Note must specifically include:• If any co-morbid conditions are present• Documentation of counseling on guideline-directed screening for comorbid conditionsSee Pilot Information – Clinical Progress Note.Symbol: C. All others including:
• Erythrodermic psoriasis
• Pustular psoriasis
• Severe psoriasisDEFERSubmit the information to the FAA for a possible Special IssuanceAnnotate (elements or findings) in Block 60.

CACI – Psoriasis Worksheet

(Updated 08/27/2025) To determine the applicant’s eligibility for certification, the AME must review a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note generated from a clinic visit with the treating physician or specialist no more than 90 days prior to the AME exam. If the applicant meets ALL the acceptable certification criteria listed below, the AME can issue. Applicants for first- or second- class must provide this information annually; applicants for third-class must provide the information with each required exam.

AME MUST REVIEWACCEPTABLE CERTIFICATION CRITERIA
A current, detailed Clinical Progress Note from the treating physician[ ] Condition is stable with NO systemic symptoms and NO limitation to strength, function, or range of motion which would interfere with flight duties.[ ] Severity is mild to moderate.NOTE: If co-morbid conditions are present, see corresponding page. If psoriatic arthritis, see arthritis page.
Causes[ ] Most subtypes to include: guttate psoriasis, plaque psoriasis.Not acceptable: pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis.
Medications for conditionCombinations acceptable for CACI Include:• Topical medication +• Methotrexate +• Any single agent listedKEY:Interleukin Inhibitors (IL)Phosphodiesterase-4 Enzyme Inhibitor (PDE4)Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNF)*Biologics do not have generic; they have biosimilar.[ ] Topical medication(s) and/or [ ] azathioprine (Imuran) and/or [ ] methotrexate (Trexall) and/or [ ] Any single medication listed below after a 2-week ground trial and:• No post-dose observation time: o apremilast (Otezla) - PD4E• 4-hour post-dose observation time: o adalimumab (Humira or FDA approved biosimilar*) - TNF o certolizumab (Cimzia) - TNF o etanercept (Enbrel) - TNF o guselkumab (Tremfya) - IL o ixekizumab (Taltz) - IL o risankizumab (Skyrizi) - IL o secukinumab (Cosentyx) – IL o tildrakizumab (Ilumya) - IL o ustekinumab (Stelara) - IL• 24-hour post-dose observation time: o infliximab (Inflect; Remicade; Renflexis) - TNF

AME MUST NOTE in Block 60 one of the following:

[ ] CACI qualified Psoriasis. (Documents do not need to be submitted to the FAA.)

[ ] Has current OR previous SI/AASI but now CACI qualified Psoriasis.

[ ] NOT CACI qualified Psoriasis. I have deferred. (Submit supporting documents.)

  • SKIN CANCER
  • All Classes
  • (Updated 08/26/2015)
DISEASE/CONDITIONEVALUATION DATADISPOSITION
Unknown pathologyIf unable to verify pathology, have airman collect: ☐ Medical records describing the diagnosis and treatment; and ☐ Pathology report(s)MORE INFO NEEDEDOnce reports are received, refer to the appropriate skin cancer diagnosis in this section.
Basal cell cancer (BCC)Squamous cell cancer (SCC)Uncomplicated skin only No organ involvementAME interview and exam findings consistent with uncomplicated local BCC or SCC completely treated (excised, destroyed, or Mohs procedure) and resolved.Symbol: Basal cell cancer (BCC)
Squamous cell cancer (SCC)
Uncomplicated skin only No organ involvementISSUENote BCC or SCC treated in Block 60.If complicated lesion, see below.
SCC or BCCComplicated lesion Metastatic lymph node or deep tissue involvement, aggressive pathology, or other abnormalitiesAlso see ENT sectionSubmit the following for FAA review: ☐ Medical records describing the diagnosis and treatment; ☐ Pathology report(s); ☐ Operative notes; ☐ Current, detailed Clinical Progress Note that includes current or planned future treatment and prognosis; and ☐ Copies of any imaging performed (CT/MRI)Symbol: SCC or BCC
Complicated lesion Metastatic lymph node or deep tissue involvement, aggressive pathology, or other abnormalities
Also see ENT sectionDEFER Submit reports to FAA for review.Follow-up certification - based on Special Issuance Authorization.
MelanomaLess than 0.75 mm in depthORMelanoma in SituReview: ☐ Medical records describing the diagnosis and treatment; and ☐ Pathology report(s)Symbol: Melanoma
Less than 0.75 mm in depth
OR
Melanoma in SituISSUE If complete resection with clear margins, no recurrence, no metastatic disease, and favorable reports.Document in block 60 AND submit reports to FAA for retention in the file.
MelanomaEqual to 0.75 mm or greater in depthReview and submit the following: ☐ Medical records describing the diagnosis and treatment; ☐ Pathology report(s); ☐ Operative notes; ☐ Current status report that includes if any additional lesions, any metastatic disease, any current or future treatment planned; and ☐ Current MRI brainSymbol: Melanoma
Equal to 0.75 mm or greater in depthDEFER Submit reports to FAA for review.Follow-up certification - based on Special Issuance Authorization.
Metastatic MelanomaORMelanoma of Unknown Primary OriginSubmit the following for FAA review: ☐ Info from Melanoma greater than 0.75 mm above; ☐ PET scan; and ☐ Copies of any additional testing performed by the treating physician.Symbol: Metastatic Melanoma
OR
Melanoma of Unknown Primary OriginDEFER Submit supporting documents for FAA review.
  • URTICARIAL ERUPTIONS
  • All Classes
DISEASE/CONDITIONEVALUATION DATADISPOSITION
Angioneurotic EdemaSubmit all pertinent medical records and a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note to include treatmentRequires FAA Decision
Chronic UrticariaSubmit all records and a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note to include treatmentRequires FAA Decision

Regulations Referenced in This Chapter

14 CFR 67.11314 CFR 67.213
Previous SectionSection 10: ITEM 39. AnusNext Section Section 12: ITEM 41. G-U System

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ITEM 40. Skin

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