FAA Medical Certificate: Potential Disqualifications

If you have any condition that may be medically disqualifying or could slow your medical approval, feel free to call an AME ahead of time to ask questions or contact the Aviation Medicine Advisory Service (AMAS) at 1-866-AEROMED or through their online Confidential Questionnaire.  Alternatively, you can contact a resource like the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to discuss your situation. They have experts available to help find your best route for success in the medical certification process.

Some conditions that can be disqualifying or could slow your medical approval include but are not limited to:

• Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Meniere´s Decease
• Nervous Disorders
• History of Kidney Stones
• Emotional or Mental Disorders (including various antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications)
• Epilepsy
• Uncorrectable Vision
• Certain Levels of Hearing Loss
• History of Alcohol or Drug Dependence
• Any condition that could impair your ability to operate an aircraft safely

If you would like further information on potentially disqualifying conditions, the standards for medical certification are contained in:

Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 67

FAA Summary of Medical Standards

List of prohibited medications

       2024 Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners

Alternatives

If 14 CFR Part 67 indicates that a condition will not allow you to obtain a medical certificate, all hope is not lost.  There may be an option to obtain a special issuance medical certificate or obtain a medical with certain operating limitations.  Discuss this with one of the above sources before pushing forward with your examination.