Guide for Aviation Medical ExaminersVersion 09/30/2026
Section 03
EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES
4 pagesPages 56–59
Items 21-58 of FAA Form 8500-8
ITEMS 21- 58 of FAA Form 8500-8
The AME must personally conduct the physical examination. This section provides guidance for completion of Items 21-58 of the Application for Airman Medical Certificate, FAA Form 8500-8.
The AME must carefully read the applicant's history page of FAA Form 8500-8 (Items 1-20) before conducting the physical examination and completing the Report of Medical Examination. This alerts the AME to possible pathological findings.
The AME must note in Item 60 of the FAA Form 8500-8 any condition found in the course of the examination. The AME must list the facts, such as dates, frequency, and severity of occurrence.
When a question arises, the Federal Air Surgeon encourages AMEs first to check this Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners and other FAA informational documents. If the question remains unresolved, the AME should seek advice from a RFS or AMCD.
ITEMS 21-22. Height and Weight
ITEM 21. Height
Measure and record the applicant's height in inches. Although there are no medical standards for height, exceptionally short individuals may not be able to effectively reach all flight controls and must fly specially modified aircraft. If required, the FAA will place operational limitations on the pilot certificate.
ITEM 22. Weight
Measure and record the applicant's weight in pounds.
Height (inches) 22. Weight (pounds)
| Measurement Units | BMI Formula and Calculation |
|---|---|
| Pounds and inches | Formula: weight (lb) / [height (in)]²x 703 Calculate BMI by dividing weight in pounds (lbs) by height in inches (in) squared and multiplying by a conversion factor of 703. Example: Weight = 150 lbs, Height = 5'5" (65") Calculation: [150 ÷ (65)²] x 703 = 24.96 |
| Kilograms and meters (or centimeters) | Formula: weight (kg) / [height (m)]2 With the metric system, the formula for BMI is weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Since height is commonly measured in centimeters, divide height in centimeters by 100 to obtain height in meters.Example: Weight = 68 kg, Height = 165 cm (1.65 m) Calculation: 68 ÷ (1.65)2 = 24.98 |
BMI CHART AND FORMULA TABLE
ITEMS 23-24. Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA); SODA Serial Number
ITEM 23. Has a SODA ever been issued?
Ask the applicant if a SODA has ever been issued. If the answer is "yes," ask the applicant to show you the document. Then check the "yes" block and record the nature and degree of the defect.
SODA's are valid for an indefinite period or until an adverse change occurs that results in a level of defect worse than that stated on the face of the document.
The FAA issues SODA's for certain static defects, but not for disqualifying conditions or conditions that may be progressive. The extent of the functional loss that has been cleared by the FAA is stated on the face of the SODA. If the AME finds the condition has become worse, a medical certificate should not be issued even if the applicant is otherwise qualified. The AME should also defer issuance if it is unclear whether the applicant's present status represents an adverse change.
The AME must take special care not to issue a medical certificate of a higher class than that specified on the face of the SODA even if the applicant appears to be otherwise medically qualified. The AME may note in Item 60 the applicant's desire for a higher class.
ITEM 24. SODA Serial Number
Enter the assigned serial number in the space provided.
Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA)
Yes No Defect Noted:
SODA Serial Number