Medical Issues

As every pilot knows, two licenses are required to fly: a pilot certificate and a medical certificate. Ensuring that FAA medical certification is valid and will be renewed is of paramount concern to all professional pilots and flight department managers.

News

NBAA Welcomes ARC Recommendations Addressing Aviation Mental Health April 4, 2024: NBAA welcomed the release of a comprehensive series of industry recommendations to the FAA addressing concerns about mental health from across the aviation community.
NBAA Welcomes House Committee’s Call to Action on Mental Health in Aviation Feb. 12, 2024: NBAA welcomes the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s call for federal action to remove barriers that discourage pilots from reporting and seeking care for mental health issues.
NBAA Takes Part in NTSB Summit Examining Mental Health in Aviation Dec. 7, 2023: Pilots – and others working in the aviation industry – often don’t report mental health issues, due to a fear of losing their livelihoods. Government and industry leaders, including NBAA, took part in an NTSB summit to discuss how to put an end to this practice and better provide help for those in need.
Podcast: Mental Wellness and Business Aviation, Part 2 Nov. 6, 2023: In the second part of our conversation about mental wellness, experts offer advice on what pilots should do when disclosing a condition such as depression or anxiety to their AME and how to ensure their case is addressed in a timely manner.
Podcast: Mental Wellness and Business Aviation, Part 1 Oct. 30, 2023: In the first of a two-part series, experts share their perspectives about where the business aviation community stands on mental wellness matters, and what pilots might expect if they disclose a concern such as anxiety or depression to their aviation medical examiner.
FAA Effort Underway to 'Reconcile' Pilot Medical Records Among VA Disabilities Recipients July 19, 2023: NBAA continues to monitor an FAA effort to ensure the accuracy of airman medical information for U.S. veterans who are pilots and may be receiving disability benefits from the U.S. Veterans Administration.
NBAA Webinar: How to Determine Fitness for Leadership June 27, 2023: The first Summer Leadership Series webinar for 2023 examined the effects stress can have on our physical and emotional health, and the importance of recognizing those impacts to best serve as effective leaders in business aviation.
NBAA Encouraged by FAA’s More Flexible Approach to Pilots’ Medical Issues June 26, 2023: The agency has taken several steps to ease mental health barriers for pilots, such as recently approving the antidepressant medication Wellbutrin as an agency-approved drug for pilots.
Podcast: Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Business Aviation, Part 2 May 22, 2023: We conclude our two-part discussion about mental wellness in business aviation with encouraging news: FAA Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrup recently announced that the agency will revise its procedures to encourage anyone needing help dealing with mental health challenges to get it.
Podcast: Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Business Aviation, Part 1 May 15, 2023: May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and over the next two weeks NBAA Flight Plan, in cooperation with The Pilots Pandemic podcast, will feature an open and honest discussion about issues related to mental wellness in the business aviation community.
DOT Updates Drug Testing Methodology May 4, 2023: The Department of Transportation has published a final rule updating 49 CFR Part 40, Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs, to allow oral fluid testing as a drug testing methodology.
NBAA Urges Pilots to Participate in Critical Medical Study March 3, 2023: NBAA is asking pilot members to participate in a groundbreaking study by the University of North Dakota into the community’s knowledge of healthcare services and procedures and how that could impact aviation safety.
Mental Wellness in Aviation Starts With I'M SAFE Jan. 27, 2023: A pilot pre-takeoff checklist that includes the acronym I’M SAFE can improve safety on the flight deck and in daily life.
NBAA News Hour: Addressing Crewmembers’ Health, Wellbeing in Post-COVID World Nov. 17, 2022: The importance of developing an effective emergency response plan for your flight operation was the subject of a Nov. 17, 2022, NBAA News Hour “Thought Leadership” webinar, sponsored by MedAire.
NBAA TV: Aviation Colleges Address Mental Wellness During Flight Training and Beyond Oct. 19, 2022: University of North Dakota's Dr. Elizabeth Bjerke and Southern Illinois University's Dr. Irene Miller share their expertise on the subject of mental health in the aviation college environment and in the broader aviation community.
NBAA News Hour: Taking a Closer Look at Mental Wellness in Aviation Sept. 21, 2022: In the wake of several high-profile incidents involving aviation, expert panelists at a Sept. 21, 2022, NBAA News Hour webinar urged policymakers and industry leaders to make mental health a higher priority.
Managing Stress in Single-Pilot Operations June 1, 2022: The detrimental effects of stress can be significant, so single-pilot operators need to mitigate its potential impact on safety.
Long COVID May Affect Pilot Health May 18, 2022: Some COVID-19 patients may continue to experience symptoms long after resolution of their initial infection. Fortunately, few pilots have been affected.
Podcast: Combating Stress When Flying Single Pilot April 25, 2022: The physiological effects from stress can lead to significant challenges on the flight deck, particularly when operating an aircraft as a single pilot. Proper use of checklists is one way that single pilots can maintain focus on the tasks at hand when they start to feel stressed.
Flight Crews: Health Self-Assessments and Safety June 21, 2021: Determining fitness for duty begins with an honest self-appraisal.
Navigating the Current Aeromedical Environment June 17, 2021: NBAA speaks with Dr. Susan Northrup is the U.S. Federal Air Surgeon, she leads strategic management of the FAA's aviation medical programs
NBAA: FAA Approves Single-Shot J&J Vaccine for Pilots, Including in BizAv March 1, 2021: The FAA has approved the COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson for use by pilots, air traffic controllers and others with medical clearances. NBAA welcomed the agency’s decision - the latest in a series of initiatives that have helped the industry confront the pandemic.
Industry Letters Show Ongoing Concern with Pilot Records Database Proposal Dec. 10, 2020: Industry representatives continue to express wide-reaching concerns over the FAA’s proposed electronic Pilot Records Database (PRD) through letters to Congress and the agency.
NBAA Shares Industry’s Pilot Record Database Concerns with OMB, Other Agencies Dec. 8, 2020: This month, NBAA met with representatives from several federal agencies to share the business aviation industry’s continuing concerns regarding the proposed electronic Pilot Records Database (PRD) rule.
Airport Directors to FAA: Pilot Records Database Proposal ‘Enormous Administrative Burden’ Nov. 19, 2020: Two airport leaders are among those who shared their concerns for small businesses and organizations mandated to comply with the FAA’s proposed electronic Pilot Records Database in letters to the agency and Congress.
Survey: Pilots Express Substantial Concerns with Pilot Records Database Proposal Nov. 17, 2020: Survey results released by NBAA and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) indicate pilots have significant concerns over the potential burden of the FAA’s proposed Pilot Records Database.
NTSB’s Sumwalt Focuses on Maintaining Personal Health on Final Day of NBAA Safety Week Oct. 9, 2020: National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt examined the physical, mental and environmental factors influencing the health and wellbeing of industry professionals during the NBAA National Safety Forum on Oct. 9, 2020.
National Safety Forum: Personal Health Focus Critical, Especially Now Oct. 8, 2020: The critical role that mental and physical health play in aviation safety took center stage during the first day of NBAA’s virtual National Safety Forum, held Oct. 8, 2020. as part of the association’s Virtual Safety Week.
Survey: Feedback Requested on Proposed Pilot Records Database Oct. 6, 2020: NBAA and the Aircraft Operators and Pilots Association have partnered on a survey soliciting feedback on the FAA’s proposal for a Pilot Records Database (PRD).
Podcast: Coping With Stress Oct. 5, 2020: Three aeromedical experts offer tips on how to manage pandemic-induced anxiety.
NBAA Welcomes FAA Extensions to SFAR 118 Medical Certification, Training Deadlines June 25, 2020: NBAA welcomed an announcement by the FAA of upcoming amendments to Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) 118 extending validity on certain medical, training and testing requirements by up to three additional months.
NBAA Challenges FAA's Dismissal of Additional Comment Time for New Pilot-Reporting Proposal, Sounds Call to Action June 19, 2020: NBAA called on the FAA to rethink its decision to deny requests from NBAA and others for additional time to comment on new pilot-reporting requirements.
Flight Crews: Understanding the Risks of Self Medication May 5, 2020: For pilots, the seemingly innocuous decision to self-medicate using over-the-counter remedies could have a dramatic impact on safety.
NTSB Study Warns About the Impact of Drugs on Pilot Fitness April 20, 2020: A recently released NTSB study highlights the importance of educating pilots on the potentially harmful impact of medications and drugs on pilots’ fitness for duty, and NBAA offers resources to help.
How to Keep Your Crew Fit for Duty During the COVID-19 Pandemic April 15, 2020: An NBAA News Hour webinar on April 15, 2020, examined the physical and mental health considerations for aviation personnel during the COVID-19 crisis and offered some tips on how to cope with the pandemic.
NBAA Evaluating Proposed Rule to Create Electronic Pilot Records Database April 2, 2020: NBAA is preparing comments for a proposed FAA rule that will combine agency and operator records into a centralized electronic database.
FAA’s COVID-19 Exemption Allows Pilots to Fly With Expired Medical Certificates March 27, 2020: The FAA is allowing pilots to continue to fly if their airmen medical certificates expire between March 31 and June 30 to reduce the burden on the country’s healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operators: Know the Impact of OTC Medications Dec. 31, 2019: As we head into the winter cold and flu season, business aviation operators should be aware of a new FAA resource that offers guidelines on over-the-counter (OTC) medication use.
NBAA Defends Pilots Against Unreasonable FAA Decrees Dec. 5, 2019: NBAA has joined forces with AOPA and NATA to defend pilots from the FAA’s failure to recognize due process when mandatorily revoking certificates.
FAA Reverses Course on Pilots With Diabetes Nov. 18, 2019: Now that the FAA has cleared the way for commercial pilots with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus to receive first or second-class medical certificates if they can prove its well-managed, this could make it easier for business aircraft pilots to return to the skies as well.
Business Aviation Insider: Mental Health Vital in Fitness for Duty April 29, 2019: The stigmas associated with mental health and addiction are fading. As a result, more individuals are coming forward and receiving appropriate treatment.
NBAA, Others Object to FAA Toxicology Testing of Pilot Medical Exam Specimens April 16, 2019: NBAA, along with eight other industry groups, sent a letter to the FAA voicing disapproval of the agency's planned toxicology testing of urine samples collected for pilot medical exams.
Flight Crews: Before a Trip, Review Immunization Records April 8, 2019: Learn about vaccination recommendations in the March/April 2019 Business Aviation Insider magazine, the International Issue.
Pilots: Consider Taking an Eye Test Before an Aviation Medical Exam April 3, 2019: While only aviation medical examiners can conduct certain exams, with FAA Form 8500-7 – Report of Eye Evaluation – pilots can have their ophthalmologist or optometrist perform their eye exam.
Operators: Airports Begin Alcohol Testing During Ramp Inspections April 2, 2019: In March 2019, meetings with EASA, NBAA officials learned that authorities are beginning to test for alcohol consumption during ramp inspections at airports around the globe.
NBAA Recommends Immunization Review Before International Travel Sept. 5, 2018: With the World Health Organization recently updating its recommendations for polio vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance for travelers bound for eight destinations, including Kenya, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea.
FAA Publishes New Settlement Policy for First-Time Violators of Drug, Alcohol Testing Requirements Aug. 2, 2018: To qualify for the FAA’s new settlement policy for first-time violators of certain drug and alcohol testing requirements, a pilot must negotiate and sign a settlement agreement with the FAA within 10 days.
Tips for Flight Crews on Using Supplemental Oxygen at Altitude and Avoiding Hypoxia Aug. 1, 2017: Mention supplemental oxygen and most pilots think of the altitude requirements of 12,500 and 14,000 feet, said Dr. Brent Blue, a board-certified emergency and family physician and senior aviation medical examiner who introduced aviation to the pulse oximeter, which takes fingertip readings of oxygen saturation. Supplemental oxygen altitude requirements, created in the 1950s, are based on geography, not physiology, said Dr. Blue. “They let you fly anywhere in the contiguous United States without having to climb to 14,000 feet, and you can fly through mountain passes at 12.5 in less than 30 minutes.”
Podcast: Three Takeaways From Recent Mental-Fitness Recommendations for Pilots June 20, 2016: The FAA has released recommendations on how to better assess and improve flight crew members' mental fitness for duty.
Flight Departments Urged to Set Up Pilot Fitness-for-Duty Programs April 20, 2016: A leading expert on aeromedicine recommends that flight departments institute formal fitness for duty programs to evaluate experienced pilots whose flying skills seem to be deteriorating.
Managing Stress Key to Decreasing Risk of Illness in Flight Attendants March 7, 2016: Flight attendants face a substantially higher risk of physical and psychological illness due to stress, according to Dr. Ralph E. Carson.
Proposals Could Lead to Changes in DOT Drug-Testing Programs May 28, 2015: In May 2015, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published two notices of proposed rulemaking, which may affect Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing programs.
NBAA Concerns Reflected In FAA's New Sleep Apnea Policy Jan. 26, 2015: NBAA said that new guidance from the FAA on its once-controversial plan for testing pilots for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) now reflects a practical approach from the association and other general aviation groups for addressing the condition, without compromising flight safety. "This new guidance, developed with NBAA's input, reflects a pivot for the agency, which combines common sense with clinical discipline," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
At Year's End, Outlook is Good for Third-Class Medical Overhaul Bill in 2015 Dec. 16, 2014: While the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act was not reported for floor action in 2014, Dick Doubrava, NBAA vice president, government affairs, noted the strong level of bipartisan support adds momentum for these issues to be considered in 2015 by the incoming 114th Congress.
NBAA Welcomes Senators’ Support for Reform of Third-Class Medical Process Sept. 8, 2014: In a Sept. 2, 2014, letter, 11 U.S. senators added their voices to the growing chorus of lawmakers and industry stakeholders who are urging the U.S. Department of Transportation to act upon proposed FAA guidelines to reform the medical certification process for many general aviation pilots.
NBAA, Others Call for Action on Third-Class Medical Exemption Aug. 25, 2014: In August 2014, NBAA joined with other aviation stakeholders in calling for the U.S. Department of Transportation to expedite its review of an FAA notice of proposed rulemaking to reform the third-class medical certification requirement.
Five Questions for NBAA’s Doug Carr on the Status of FAA’s Sleep-Apnea Testing Proposal June 23, 2014: Doug Carr, NBAA's vice president of regulatory and international affairs, has provided an update on the FAA’s sleep-apnea testing proposal.
NBAA Welcomes FAA's Announcement to Consider Third-Class Medical Exemptions April 3, 2014: NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen said, “We are pleased to hear the FAA is considering alternatives to an FAA medical certificate for certain pilots."
NBAA Welcomes Positive Senate, FAA Developments on Sleep Apnea-Screening Policy Jan. 16, 2014
In Meeting, Bolen Thanks Rep. LoBiondo for Work to Bring Transparency to FAA’s Sleep Apnea Screening Proposal Jan. 10, 2014: The ongoing effort to bring greater transparency to a controversial FAA measure requiring mandatory screening of some pilots for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was a key topic of conversation in a Jan. 8 meeting between Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2-NJ) and NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen in the congressman's Capitol Hill office.
At Aviation Hearing, Bolen Reiterates Concerns Over Sleep Apnea Changes, EU-ETS Dec. 12, 2013: A Dec. 12 House committee hearing provided a welcome opportunity for NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen to acknowledge the need for continuing congressional engagement on two issues: one affecting pilots certificated in the United States, the other international in scope.
NBAA Welcomes Key House Committee Passage of Legislation Addressing FAA Sleep Apnea Rule Dec. 4, 2013: NBAA thanked a key U.S. House of Representatives panel for approving legislation that would compel the FAA to follow established rulemaking processes before implementing a new requirement that some pilots be screened for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) prior to receiving a medical certificate. The legislation, H.R. 3578, was introduced on Nov. 21 by Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2-NJ), chairman of the Transportation Committee's Aviation Subcommittee. The bill responds to a new policy, first reported in a November 2013 FAA newsletter, that the agency would soon begin subjecting pilots with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater to OSA screening.
NBAA Questioning FAA’s Apparent New Sleep Apnea-Detection Focus Nov. 20, 2013: An announcement from the FAA’s Federal Air Surgeon outlining planned aeromedical guidelines on sleep apnea has raised alarm with NBAA and other aviation industry organizations.
NBAA: Cold, Flu Season a Reminder for Drug-Impairment Awareness Nov. 1, 2013: As cold and flu season progresses, an open letter to pilots, stressing the contribution of common medications to some fatal loss-of-control aviation accidents, is getting renewed attention.
Keeping an Eye on Laser Vision Surgery Oct. 28, 2013: For pilots who need vision correction to fly, Lasik surgery may provide some relief, but doctors suggest pilots do research before moving ahead with surgery.
NBAA, Others Join With FAA to Warn Pilots of Potential Impairment From Common Medications July 18, 2013: NBAA joined with other aviation groups and the FAA in an open letter to pilots that includes guidelines they should use to determine whether they are fit to fly.
Make Sure You're Protecting Your Medical Certification Aug. 26, 2010: A recent webinar hosted by NBAA for its members enlightened attendees about the many issues and concerns surrounding pilot health and safety and how to maintain compliance with FAA regulations to ensure continuing medical certification.
Medical Certification Issues For International Flights July 24, 2008: Many States have different requirements from those of the U.S. when it comes to medical certificates. According to ICAO Annex 1 - Personnel Licensing, holders of commercial pilot licenses and airline transport licenses are required to hold a class 1 medical.
FAA Lengthens Validity of Medical Certificates July 24, 2008: Effective July 24, 2008, the FAA extended the duration of first class medicals from six calendar months to 12 calendar months for pilots under the age of 40 conducting operations that require an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate.

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2025 NBAA International Operators Conference (IOC2025)

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2024 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2024)

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2025 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2025)

2026 NBAA International Operators Conference (IOC2026)

2026 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2026)

2027 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2027)