Page Contents
Subtitle
Checklist for AMEs Treating Pilots with Blood Pressure Problems
FlightPhysical.com Abbreviated Briefing
CACI Hypertension Worksheet
Content

To determine your eligibility for certification, your AME must review a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note generated from a clinic visit with your treating physician(s) or specialist(s) no more than 90 days prior to the AME exam. HOWEVER, your AME is not required to review a Clinical Progress Note from the treating physician IF your AME can otherwise determine that the applicant has had stable clinical blood pressure control on the current antihypertensive medication for at least 7 days, without symptoms from the hypertension or adverse medication side-effects, and no treatment changes are recommended. If the applicant meets ALL the acceptable certification criteria listed below, then your AME can issue your certificate. Applicants for first- or second- class must provide this information annually; applicants for third-class must provide the information with each required exam.

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Hypertension Checklist for Pilots with High Blood Pressure

Derived from FAA Hypertension Worksheet, 2025 AME Guide

AME MUST REVIEW

ACCEPTABLE CERTIFICATION CRITERIA

Treating physician or the AME finds the condition stable on current regimen for at least 7 days and no changes recommended.

[ ] Yes

Symptoms




 

[ ] None

(Note: Pilot must be asymptomatic with the elevated blood pressure, no headaches, neurological changes, visual problems or other hypertension-attributed symptoms are acceptable)

Blood pressure in office

[ ] Less than or equal to 155 systolic and 95 diastolic


(Although 155/95 is acceptable for certification, the airman should be referred to their primary provider for further management, if the blood pressure is above clinical practice standards)

Acceptable medication(s) See Acceptable Blood Pressure Medication List

[ ] Combinations of up to 3 of the following are Allowed:

  • Alpha blockers
  • Beta-blockers
  • ACE inhibitors
  • calcium channel blockers
  • angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs)
  • Direct Renin Inhibitors
  • Direct Vasodilators
  • Diuretics

NOT acceptable: Centrally acting antihypertensives (such as clonidine)

Side effects from medications

[ ] No

(Note: Pilot must already have an established regimen without medication side effects)
FlightPhysical's Staff Take Home Message

AME MUST NOTE in Block 60 one of the following:

  • [ ] CACI qualified hypertension. (Documents do not need to be submitted to the FAA.)
  • [ ] Has current OR previous SI/AASI but now CACI qualified hypertension.
  • [ ] NOT CACI qualified hypertension. I have deferred. (Submit supporting documents.)
    Sources:
    FAA AME Guide Dec 2025 version
    Created at
    Nov 5, 2025
    Updated at
    Dec 28, 2025