Understanding FAA Medical Requirements and Restrictions
To ensure flight safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets strict medical standards that pilots must meet to obtain a medical certificate. These standards vary depending on whether a pilot is applying for a First-Class, Second-Class, or Third-Class medical certificate.
While some medical conditions are disqualifying, many can be managed through a Special Issuance Authorization, allowing pilots to maintain their certification under controlled circumstances.
Below is a detailed breakdown of FAA medical standards and disqualifying conditions.
FAA Medical Standards by Certificate Class
The following table summarizes the FAA medical requirements for First-Class (Airline Transport Pilots), Second-Class (Commercial Pilots), and Third-Class (Private Pilots).
Summary of Medical Standards for Pilot Certification
| Medical Requirement | First-Class (Airline Transport Pilot) | Second-Class (Commercial Pilot) | Third-Class (Private Pilot) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distant Vision | 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction. | 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction. | 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction. |
| Near Vision | 20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction, as measured at 16 inches. | 20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction, as measured at 16 inches. | 20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction, as measured at 16 inches. |
| Intermediate Vision | 20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction at age 50 and over, as measured at 32 inches. | 20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction at age 50 and over, as measured at 32 inches. | No requirement. |
| Color Vision | Must be able to perceive those colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties. | Must be able to perceive those colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties. | Must be able to perceive those colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties. |
| Hearing | Must demonstrate hearing of an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using both ears at 6 feet, with the back turned to the examiner, or pass one of the audiometric tests. | Same as First-Class. | Same as First-Class. |
| Audiometric Test | Speech discrimination test: at least 70% reception in one ear at no greater than 65 dB. | Same as First-Class. | Same as First-Class. |
| Pure Tone Test | Unaided, with thresholds no worse than: Better Ear: 35 dB (500 Hz), 30 dB (1000 Hz), 30 dB (2000 Hz), 40 dB (3000 Hz) Worst Ear: 35 dB (500 Hz), 50 dB (1000 Hz), 50 dB (2000 Hz), 60 dB (3000 Hz) | Same as First-Class. | Same as First-Class. |
| Ear Conditions | No ear disease or condition that could cause vertigo or a disturbance of speech or equilibrium. | Same as First-Class. | Same as First-Class. |
| Pulse | Not disqualifying by itself; used to assess cardiac health. | Same as First-Class. | Same as First-Class. |
| Blood Pressure | No specific limits stated, but guideline maximum is 155/95. | Same as First-Class. | Same as First-Class. |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) | Required annually after age 40, and at age 35. | Not routinely required. | Not routinely required. |
| Mental Health | No history of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe personality disorders. | Same as First-Class. | Same as First-Class. |
| Substance Dependence/Abuse | A history of substance dependence is disqualifying unless recovery with sustained abstinence for at least 2 years is documented. Substance abuse within the past 2 years is also disqualifying. Includes alcohol, PCP, sedatives, anxiolytics, marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, hallucinogens, and other psychoactive drugs. | Same as First-Class. | Same as First-Class. |
| Disqualifying Conditions | The FAA will deny or defer certification for the following conditions: 1. Diabetes requiring hypoglycemic medication 2. Angina pectoris 3. Coronary heart disease (treated or symptomatic) 4. Myocardial infarction 5. Cardiac valve replacement 6. Permanent cardiac pacemaker 7. Heart replacement 8. Psychosis 9. Bipolar disorder 10. Severe personality disorder with repeated manifestations 11. Substance dependence 12. Substance abuse 13. Epilepsy 14. Unexplained disturbances of consciousness 15. Transient loss of nervous system control | Same as First-Class. | Same as First-Class. |
This table provides an overview of FAA medical standards for different pilot certification classes. Applicants should consult an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for case-specific evaluations.
FAA Disqualifying Medical Conditions
The FAA requires automatic denial or deferral if a pilot has a history of any of the following conditions:
1️ Diabetes requiring hypoglycemic medication
2️ Angina pectoris (chest pain from coronary disease)
3️ Coronary heart disease (treated or symptomatic)
4️ Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
5️ Cardiac valve replacement
6️ Permanent cardiac pacemaker
7️ Heart transplant
8️ Psychosis
9️ Bipolar disorder
1️0 Severe personality disorder (manifested by overt acts)
1️1️ Substance dependence
1️2Substance abuse
1️3️ Epilepsy
1️4️ Disturbance of consciousness (unexplained fainting, blackouts, seizures, etc.)
1️5️ Transient loss of control of nervous system function (without a known cause)
Special Issuance Authorization & Waivers
Many of these conditions do not result in an automatic permanent disqualification. The FAA offers two programs for pilots with medical concerns:
- Special Issuance Authorization: This discretionary issuance allows a pilot with a disqualifying condition to obtain certification after a thorough evaluation. It requires:
✔ Medical assessments
✔ Submission of health records
✔ Demonstration that the condition is stable and well-managed - Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA): A waiver issued for static, non-progressive conditions (such as limb amputation or vision loss in one eye). It remains valid as long as the condition doesn’t worsen.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I obtain an FAA medical certificate if I have a disqualifying condition?
✔ Yes, many pilots qualify through Special Issuance Authorization after proving medical stability. - What is a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA)?
✔ A waiver that allows a pilot to continue flying with certain stable, non-progressive medical conditions. - How do I apply for a Special Issuance Authorization?
✔ Consult an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and submit required medical reports and tests. - What medical conditions are temporarily disqualifying?
✔ Conditions like acute infections, anemia, or recent surgeries may disqualify a pilot until resolved. - Where can I find more details?
✔ Visit the FAA’s Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners for up-to-date medical requirements.
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