Airmen holding pilot certificates, other than a sport pilot certificate, know that they also need a medical certificate in order to fly. In order to obtain a medical certificate, an airman must pass a medical examination by an FAA aviation medical examiner (“AME”) which demonstrates that the airman is qualified to hold a medical certificate under FAR Part 67. Not only does Part 67 identify the requirements which an airman must meet, but it also identifies physical and mental conditions that would preclude an airman from being issued a medical certificate.
If an airman has questions regarding the requirements for being issued a medical certificate, how the process for obtaining a medical certificate works, or regarding specific medical or mental conditions, the FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine provides a number of resources. In addition to reviewing Part 67, airmen can utilize the following:
- The AME Guide provides pertinent information and guidance that an AME uses to perform medical examinations;
- Aerospace Medicine Technical Reports are reports, studies and research dealing with aerospace medicine topics and issues; and
- The Federal Air Surgeon’s Medical Bulletin is a newsletter published quarterly for aviation medical examiners and others interested in aviation safety and aviation medicine.
These resources will answer many of the aerospace medicine questions an airman may have. For specific questions, airmen should contact their local AME or consult with a knowledgeable aviation attorney.
