Federal Medical Guidelines for Pilots
FAA Protocols, Worksheets, Drug Policy and Evaluation Specifications
Apr 2014
Guidance is compiled and interpreted by professional pilots and physicians at FlightPhysical.com from the 2014 AME Guide pages 1-296, 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).
The Process for Obtaining an FAA Airman Medical Certificate is a segmental process:
- Pilot applicant registers online and inputs medical data and information releases through web interface (MedXPress). The applicant will answer items 1-20 on the form 8500-8
- Pilot applicant schedules an Exam with AME.
- At the AME office, the physician reviews the previously input medical history data and performs his/her own examination on the applicant and AME will review the first 20 items and complete the next sections: exam (items 21 - 58) and review (items 59 - 64) .
- If standards are met, the Airman Medical Certificate is issued on the spot, if not, the AME will discuss feasibility and next step actions for pursuit of a possible FAA Waiver.
- Further clinical workup may be as simple as demonstrating that the condition is stable over time, but it usually involves additional testing or certification from specialists. These additional requirements are broken up in categories matching FAA terminology
Index to Categories of FAA Guidance: Checklists for Clinical Follow Up
Below are links to guidelines for additional medical workups required of airman who do not initially meet federal aviation standards. These checklists will only be needed if the applicant has a specific medical problem or condition that requires further information. These guidelines help direct both the AME and the pilot-applicant in their pursuit of a waiver, special issuance, or other clinical reasurance from specialists or special tests requested by the FAA before they will grant clearance to fly.
Note: Most pilots will not need to pursue any of these additional tests. As an airman, you should only begin this follow-on testing if specifically requested and directed by your AME.
AME Assisted Special Issuance (AASI) for All Classes
- Arthritis and/or Psoriasis
- Asthma
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Bladder Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Colitis (Ulcerative or Crohn's Disease) or Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Colon Cancer
- Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT), Pulmonary Embolism (PE), and/ or Hypercoagulopathies
- Diabetes Mellitus - Type II Medication Controlled (Not Insulin)
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Lymphoma and Hodgkin's Disease
- Melanoma
- Migraine Headaches
- Mitral and Aortic Insufficiency
- Paroxysmal Atrial Tachycardia
- Prostate Cancer
- Renal Calculi (Kidney Stones)
- Renal Carcinoma
- Sleep Apnea
- Testicular Carcinoma
FAA AME Assisted Special Issuances Certificate Coversheet (pdf)
Special Issuances - AASI Limited to Third-Class Only
FAA Disease Protocols
- Allergies, Severe
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
- Binocular Multifocal and Accommodating Devices
- Cardiac Transplant
- Cardiovascular Evaluation (CVE)
- Depression Treated with SSRI Medications
- Conductive Keratoplasty
- Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
- Diabetes Mellitus Type I or Type II - Insulin Treated
- Diabetes Mellitus Type II - Medication Controlled
- Diabetes Mellitus - Diet Controlled
- Graded Exercise Stress Test Requirements
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Implanted Pacemaker
- Musculoskeletal Evaluation
- Neurocognitive Impairment
- Peptic Ulcer
- Psychiatric - Substances of Dependence/Abuse (Drugs and Alcohol)
- Psychiatric Evaluation
- Psychiatric and Psychological Evaluations
- Renal Transplant
- Thromboembolic Disease
- Valve Replacement
FAA AME Assisted Special Issuances Certificate Coversheet (pdf)
Musculoskeletal and Mental Health Evaluations
The FAA may need one or more specially designated mental health assessments for pilots seeking airman medical certification. Requirements are very specific.
- Musculoskeletal Evaluations
- Neuropsychological Evaluations for Potential Neurocognitive Impairment
- Neuropsychological Evaluations for ADHD or ADD
- Neuropsychological Evaluations For Treatment With SSRI Medications
- Psychiatric and Neuropsychological Evaluations for Substance Abuse/Dependence
- Protocol: Substance Abuse/Dependence
- Psychiatric Evaluations
- Psychiatric And Psychological Evaluations
- Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS)
FAA Clinical Worksheets
- Asthma Worksheet
- Hypertension Worksheet
- Glaucoma Worksheet
- Hepatitis C Worksheet
- Renal Cancer Worksheet
- Arthritis Worksheet
FAA Medication (Pharmaceutical) Policies
- Acne Medications
- Allergy - Immunotherapy
- Allergy - Antihistamines
- Antacids
- Anticoagulants
- Antidepressants
- Antihypertensive
- Contraceptives and Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus - Insulin Treated
- Diabetes Mellitus - Type II, Medication Controlled (Not Insulin)
- Glaucoma Medications
- Malaria Medications
- Sedatives
- Sleep Aids
Selected FDA Warnings of Relevance to Pilots
This page discussed Federal Medical Guidelines for 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