📘14 CFR §67.401 – Special Issuance of Medical Certificates

🚩 Overview

When an applicant doesn't meet standard medical criteria, the FAA may issue a Special Issuance medical certificate. This allows pilots with certain medical conditions to fly under specific conditions and limitations, ensuring continued safety.

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✅ Key Requirements and Procedures

🩺 1. Eligibility for Special Issuance

• Special Issuance may be granted to pilots with certain medical conditions that typically disqualify them from standard medical certification (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer).

• Issuance is based on case-by-case FAA evaluation and medical documentation provided by the applicant.

📋 2. Application Process

• Applicants must provide detailed medical records, test results, and documentation demonstrating their condition is well-managed and stabilized.

• Submission is usually through an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division.

📅 3. Limitations and Conditions

• Special Issuance certificates typically have specific conditions or limitations, such as periodic reporting requirements, additional medical testing, or reduced certificate validity periods.

• Compliance with these conditions is mandatory to maintain certification.

🔄 4. Renewal of Special Issuance

• Special Issuance certificates require regular renewal, with updated medical documentation reviewed by the FAA to confirm ongoing compliance with conditions.

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🛩️ Example Scenario

A pilot diagnosed with diabetes applies for a Special Issuance medical certificate. The pilot submits detailed medical records and evidence of good blood sugar control to their AME. Upon FAA review, a Special Issuance is granted with conditions requiring regular reporting of blood sugar levels and periodic medical evaluations.

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📌 CFI Pro Tips

• Special Issuance Awareness: Inform students early about Special Issuance options if they face disqualifying medical conditions, emphasizing thorough documentation and proactive communication.

• Maintaining Compliance: Emphasize strict adherence to Special Issuance conditions to ensure continued medical certification and avoid unnecessary grounding.

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📚 Further Reading and Official References

• 14 CFR §67.401 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-67/subpart-E/section-67.401

• FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners (AME) – Special Issuance: https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/avs/offices/aam/ame/guide

• FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division (AMCD): https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/specialissuance