Writer

AmyWilder

The FAA has decided to extend changes to the airman medical certification process, which had previously been slated to take effect January 1 but were <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2024-12-18/new-faa-medical-certification-policies-start-2025">delayed until March 1 after aviation stakeholders raised concerns late last year</a>. On January 1, the FAA’s new requirements for color vision testing did take effect. This week, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has expressed support for the FAA’s decision to once again delay proposed changes to the airman medical certification process.
Proposed changes to medical certification would have led to immediate denials of incomplete medical applications. AOPA, along with other aviation organizations, expressed concerns after the change was announced late last year about the potential negative consequences, including delays in professional pilots returning to work after a denied medical.
In response to these concerns, the FAA had, by mid-December 2024, delayed the changes. The agency now will hold a listening session with industry stakeholders on April 23. This decision allows for further input before any final changes are made to the medical certification process.
“We appreciate the FAA’s efforts to seek additional input from AOPA and others,” said AOPA president and CEO Darren Pleasance. “Our goal is to help pilots by working with the FAA to make the medical certification process more efficient while eliminating unnecessary burdens on applicants.” He also referenced AOPA’s ongoing efforts to modernize the FAA’s medical systems, which he described as “long overdue.”
Postponing the proposed changes marks a continued collaborative approach between the FAA and industry stakeholders, aiming for a more efficient and effective medical certification process.

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.

AOPA Applauds FAA’s Further Delay in Medical Certification Changes

A listening session will be held in April for feedback on medical certification

AOPA welcomes the FAA’s postponement of changes to pilot medical certification rules. A feedback session will be held on April 23 to discuss the changes. 

AOPA Supports FAA’s Delay on Med Certification Changes

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

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.

Approval means deliveries can now start from the Airbus U.S. factory in Mississippi

FAA Clears Airbus H125 Helicopter for Single-pilot IFR Operations

Kerry Lynch

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

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.

Lawmakers, aviation leaders signal they have little appetite for privatization debate

Leaders Reiterate Need for Consensus on ATC Overhaul

Charles Alcock

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Academy+ option provides product training on a subscription basis

Web Manuals Offers Aviation Documentation Training 

Every Democrat on Commerce Committee voted against nomination

DOT Deputy Sec Nom Bradbury Advances to Senate Floor

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

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Regulator releases plan to make market access easier 

Saudi Arabia Signals Desire To Unlock Business Aviation Growth

More than 800 of 12,000 NOAA employees are reported in line with the layoffs

NOAA Seeing Probationary Employee Layoffs

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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.

Tariffs and sanctions mean aerospace companies have to be transparent

Technology Tackles Supply Chain Import/Export Compliance Headaches

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

In this article

AOPA

More In Regulations and Government