Psychotic DIsorders in Pilots

Item 47: FAA Policy for Airmen with Mental Health Conditions

Apr 2014

Guidance is compiled and interpreted by professional pilots and physicians at FlightPhysical.com from the 2014 AME Guide page 150, 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).

FAA Considerations - Aerospace Medical Dispositions
Item 47. Psychiatric Conditions - Psychosis

Psychotic Disorders are characterized by a loss of reality testing in the form of delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized thoughts. They may be chronic, intermittent, or occur in a single episode. They may also occur as accompanying symptoms in other psychiatric conditions including but not limited to bipolar disorder (e.g. bipolar disorder with psychotic features), major depression (e.g. major depression with psychotic features), borderline personality disorder, etc.

All applicants with such a diagnosis must be denied or deferred.


This page discussed the Psychotic DIsorders portion of the Psychiatric 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