AINsight: Beware the Past Medical History | Aviation International News

AINsight: Beware the Past Medical History

It’s better to self-disclose your medical history before the FAA discovers it

Medical exam — © AdobeStock

By Robert Sancetta, M.D. • AIN Contributor

June 12, 2026

One of the more common ways that pilots find themselves in a bit of hot water with the FAA is when previously undisclosed past medical history diagnoses are discovered.

Rest assured that I will not leave you hanging. In most cases, the pilot will ultimately maintain their FAA medical certification even after the previously unreported medical situation came to light. The pilot may have their tail between their legs for a while and some homework to do, but usually things work out favorably.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Robert Sancetta, M.D.

AIN Contributor

About the author

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.

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