Drug and Alcohol Convictions
Pilot Medical History
Excerpts from Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Application Process for Medical Certification
Applicant History - Item 18. Medical History v. Conviction and/or Administrative Action History
The events to be reported are specifically identified in Item 18.v. of FAA Form 8500-8. If yes is checked, the applicant must describe the conviction(s) and/or administrative action(s) in the EXPLANATIONS box. The description must include:
- The alcohol or drug offense for which the applicant was convicted or the type of administrative action involved (e.g., attendance at an educational or rehabilitation program in lieu of conviction; license denial, suspension, cancellation, or revocation for refusal to be tested; educational safe driving program for multiple speeding convictions; etc.);
- The name of the state or other jurisdiction involved; and
- The date of the conviction and/or administrative action
If there have been no new convictions or administrative actions since the last application, the applicant may enter PREVIOUSLY REPORTED, NO CHANGE. Convictions and/or administrative actions affecting driving privileges may raise questions about the applicant's fitness for certification and may be cause for disqualification. (See Items 18.n. and 47 Psychiatric Conditions).
A single driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction or administrative action usually is not cause for denial if there are no other instances or indications of substance dependence or abuse. The AME should inquire regarding the applicant's alcohol use history, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and document those findings in Item 60. (See Item 47).
Note: The AME should advise the applicant that the reporting of alcohol or drug
offenses (i.e., motor vehicle violation) on the history part of the medical application does not relieve the airman
of responsibility to report each motor vehicle action to the FAA within 60 days of the occurrence to:
- Security and Investigations Division
- AMC-700
- P.O. Box 25810
- Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0810
|