Pregnancy : What to Expect at the Flight Physical

FAA NOTE: The pelvic examination is performed only at the applicant's option or if indicated by specific history or physical findings. If a pelvic examination is performed, the results are to be recorded in Item 60 Examiner Comments of FAA Form 8500-8.

FlightPhysical.com note: GU Exam and Gender Identity Disorder are posted separately.

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

Pregnancy under normal circumstances is not disqualifying. It is recommended that the applicant's obstetrician be made aware of all aviation activities so that the obstetrician can properly advise the applicant. The Examiner may wish to counsel applicants concerning piloting aircraft during the third trimester. The proper use of lap belt and shoulder harness warrants discussion.

Special procedures for evaluation of the G-U system should best be left to the discretion of an obstetrician or gynecologist.