Medical Mondays: FAA Medical Certification 101
In this first edition of Medical Mondays, aviation attorney Matthew Bulow provides a high-level overview of the federal regulations that govern pilot medical certification. The standards are outlined in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 67. Under Section 67.3, any applicant who meets the medical standards is entitled to receive an airman medical certificate. While there are separate provisions for first-, second- and third-class medical certificates, the core standards are largely the same, with the most significant differences involving vision requirements. First- and second-class airmen must meet 20/20 distance vision standards, while third-class airmen have slightly less stringent distance requirements. All classes must meet color vision standards and basic ear, nose, throat and equilibrium criteria.
The regulations also list several disqualifying conditions, including specific mental health disorders, neurologic issues such as epilepsy or unexplained loss of consciousness and cardiovascular conditions like heart attack or coronary heart disease. There are broad “catch-all” provisions that allow the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to deny certification for any condition (or even medication use) that could impair safe performance of flight duties. Importantly, a disqualifying condition is not necessarily the end of the road. Under 14 CFR § 67.401, pilots may still qualify through a Special Issuance (SI) authorization or a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA), depending on whether the condition is treatable and time-limited or static and non-progressive.
Key Insights
- Meet the Standard, Get the Medical: Under 14 CFR § 67.3, applicants who meet FAA medical standards are entitled to certification.
- Class Differences: First-, second- and third-class medical standards are largely identical, with vision requirements being the primary distinction.
- Vision Benchmarks: First- and second-class certificates require 20/20 distance vision, while third-class requires 20/40 distance vision.
- Color Matters: All pilots must be able to perceive colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties.
- Mental Health Categories: Certain psychiatric conditions, substance dependence and recent substance abuse can be disqualifying.
- Broad Catch-All: The FAA can deny certification for any medical condition or medication that may impair safe flight performance.
- Special Issuance Path: Pilots with certain disqualifying conditions may qualify for a Special Issuance if they meet ongoing compliance requirements.
- One-and-Done Option: A Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) is typically granted for static, non-progressive conditions and does not usually expire.
