Writer

Amy Wilder

The FAA will not move forward with a proposed change to its airman medical certification policy that would have replaced deferrals with immediate denials for incomplete medical applications. The <a href="https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-seeks-input-improving-medical-process">announcement was made</a> during an April 23 stakeholder listening session, where acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau confirmed that the agency would instead collaborate with industry groups on education and reform.
“There was a lot of [stakeholder] feedback, and we took it seriously and we are not going to do that,” Rocheleau said, referring to the now-withdrawn plan. The proposed policy, originally scheduled for implementation in January 2025 <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2024-12-18/new-faa-medical-certification-policies-start-2025">and later postponed to March</a>, had drawn criticism from aviation groups over potential negative impacts on pilots’ careers.
Under the proposal, pilots who submitted incomplete exams or supporting documents would have received a general denial rather than a deferral and a request for additional materials. Industry groups warned the change could create unnecessary confusion, raise reporting burdens, and disqualify some pilots from programs like BasicMed.
During the April 23 session, FAA federal air surgeon Susan Northrup acknowledged that rising application volumes and an increase in special issuance cases had strained the certification process. According to the FAA, it handled about 450,000 medical applications in 2024, with 50,000 falling under the special issuance category. Northrup committed to reducing wait times for such cases, from an average of 155 days to 90 days over the next three years.
To help streamline the process, the FAA is developing improvements to its <a href="https://medxpress.faa.gov/MedXpress/Login.aspx">MedXPress</a> online portal. Also highlighted in the announcement was a new public education tool released by aviation organizations. This new <a href="https://download.aopa.org/advocacy/2025/2025-Considerations-When-Applying-for-an-FAA-Medical-Checklist.pdf">checklist</a> for medical application readiness offers pilots a streamlined guide to the process.
During the listening session, the FAA received a variety of suggestions, including publishing a plain-language version of the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners, offering timelines for resolving common conditions, and creating digital tools like QR-code-accessible resources and testimonial videos.
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the FAA’s decision and issued statements reiterating their support for collaborative reform. “We wholeheartedly support the FAA’s decision to move away from the medical denial letter policy,” said AOPA president and CEO Darren Pleasance.
NBAA senior v-p Doug Carr similarly commended the agency for “considering input…regarding the potential negative impact on pilots.”
Both groups cited their ongoing involvement in FAA-industry working groups and a broader aerospace medical reform effort authorized by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. These initiatives aim to modernize the airman medical system while maintaining safety and reducing administrative delays.
Participants in the April 23 session included representatives from AOPA, NBAA, ALPA, EAA, NAFI, and several major pilot unions and training organizations.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

FAA Withdraws Plan To Automatically Deny Incomplete Pilot Medicals

Stakeholder input prompts agency to withdraw plan; FAA commits to education and process improvements

FAA withdraws a plan to deny incomplete pilot medicals, opting instead to improve education and transparency in response to stakeholder concerns. 

FAA Scraps Immediate Denial Rule for Pilot Medicals

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Rescinded job offer followed failed alcohol test

Texas Pilot Sentenced after Threatening Voicemail

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

AQI fees set to go in place on small aircraft in June

NATA Urges APHIS To Keep Small Aircraft Fee Exemption

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Service will be housed on the cloud with more flexibility and resiliency

FAA To Roll Out More Reliable Notam Service in September

Jessica Reed

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Walter Bius and his Prairie Flower company allegedly operated an illegal charter service using deceptive aircraft leasing practices

DOT Files Civil Action against Illegal Charter Operation

Robert Sancetta

Most pilots can continue flying even with a cancer diagnosis

AINsight: Cancer and Flying, Part 1

Curt Epstein

Program is lauded for social media use and cohesive messaging

Climbing Fast Campaign Climbs to the Top

Chad Trautvetter

Uncertainty is keeping potential buyers and investors on the sidelines

Daher Aircraft Navigates Trump’s Tariffs

Charles Alcock

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

More In Regulations and Government