Sinus Exam for Pilots Seeking Medical Certification

Page Contents
Relevant FAA Form 8500-8 Entry Number(s)
27
Subtitle
Sinuses
FlightPhysical's Staff Take Home Message

Sinusitis

  • OK if Responsive to Certain Therapies & Not Severe

 

Sinus Tumors Maybe OK if

  • Benign
  • 1 Year Stable
  • Do not Block Sinus Ventilation

AME Instructions for the Exam

Content

Evidence of sinus disease must be carefully evaluated by a specialist because of the risk of sudden and severe incapacitation from barotrauma.

FAA Aerospace Medical Disposition Grid for
Item 27. Sinuses

DISEASE/CONDITION

CLASS

EVALUATION DATA

DISPOSITION
Sinusitis - Acute of Chronic



Sinusitis, intermittent use of topical or non-sedating medication

All

Document medication, dose and absence of side effects

Responds to treatment without any side effects - AME Authorized to Issue the Certificate

Severe-requiring continuous use of medication or effected by barometric changes

All

Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report

Requires FAA Decision

Sinus Tumors



Benign - Cysts/Polyps

All

If no physiologic effects, submit documentation

Asymptomatic, no observable growth over a 12-month period, no potential for sinus block - AME Authorized to Issue the Certificate

Malignant

All

Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report

Requires FAA Decision

Source: Adapted From 2014 AME Guide Pages 48 and 50
FlightPhysical's Staff Take Home Message
References:
FAA AME Guide Version 12/03/2025