In February, I discussed aspects of the FAA medical standards as outlined in FAR Part 67. Considerations of how the FAA applies these standards were also introduced, along with the FAA’s general mandate to adequately ensure the safety of flight. The FAA has the prerogative to review, consider, and at its discretion formally rule on virtually every medical condition that is presented to it, along with upholding the numerous cut-and-dry standards that exist in the regulations.
The differences between the “specifically disqualifying” and “general disqualifying” medical diagnoses are also important to understand. Remember that a specifically disqualifying condition requires documented stability (meaning to the FAA’s satisfaction) and the granting of a “special issuance authorization” before resumption of flight status.
Dr. Robert Sancetta is a former DC-10 captain with 11,000 flight hours. He has worked as a Senior AME since 1993 and is appointed as AME Consultant to the FAA Federal Air Surgeon.
More In Regulations and Government
