Anus : What to Expect at the Flight Physical

Item 39: FAA Policies on the Airman Medical Exam

Apr 2014

Guidance is compiled and interpreted by professional pilots and physicians at FlightPhysical.com from the 2014 AME Guide pages 92-93, FAA and FDA web data (www.FAA.gov & www.FDA.gov), instructions specified in the Aeronautical Information Manual, Federal Air Surgeon Bulletins from 1999-2015, and 14 CFR Part 61 and Part 67 (the FARs).

I. Code of Federal Regulations

Legal References: 14 CFR 67.113(b)(c), 67.213(b)(c), 67.313(b)(c),

Legal Extract (Applies to All Classes):

  • (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

  1. Digital Rectal Examination: This examination is performed only at the applicant's option unless indicated by specific history or physical findings. When performed, the following should be noted and recorded in Item 59 of FAA Form 8500-8.
  2. If the digital rectal examination is not performed, the response to Item 39 may be based on direct observation or history.

Note: From Item 38: The AME should not issue a medical certificate if the applicant has a recent history of bleeding ulcers or hemorrhagic colitis. Otherwise, ulcers must not have been active within the past 3 months. In the case of a history of bowel obstruction, a report on the cause and present status of the condition must be obtained from the treating physician.


This page discussed the Anus section of the Fight Physical Examination required of pilots.


Reminder: use FlightPhysical.com to familiarize yourself with aviation medical regulations and guidelines, but always discuss your specific situation with one or more AMEs before dedicating resources toward expensive clinical workups. Find an AME now