Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
Application Process for Medical Certification
Applicant History
III. After the Applicant Completes the Medical History Page of the FAA Form 8500-8
The Examiner must ensure completeness and review all Items 1 through 20. A medical certificate must never be issued
to an applicant who refuses to answer Item 13,
Items 16
and 17, Item 18,
or Item 19, or to
an applicant who refuses to sign the form (Item 20,
front side of the examination form). The date for Item 16 may
be estimated if the applicant does not recall the actual date of the last examination. However, for the sake of
electronic transmission, it must be placed in the mm/dd/yyyy format.
(See Item 16).Verify that the name on the applicant's identification media matches the name on the FAA Form 8500-8. If it does not, question the applicant for an explanation. If the explanation is not reasonable (legal name change, subsequent marriage, etc.), do not continue the medical examination or issue a medical certificate. Contact your RFS for guidance.
The applicant's Social Security Number (SSN) is not mandatory. Failure to provide is not grounds for refusal to issue a medical certificate. (See Item 4). All other items on the form must be completed.
Applicants must provide their home address on the FAA Form 8500-8. Applicants may use a private mailing address (e.g., a P.O. Box number or a mail drop) if that is their preferred mailing address; however, under Item 18 (in the "Explanations" box) of the FAA Form 8500-8, they must provide their home address.
The applicant must personally enter all data and make all corrections on the application form. The applicant should initial all corrections. The application constitutes a legal document and must be completed in the applicant's handwriting. If for any reason someone other than the applicant enters information in Items 1-20, the person should initial beside that item (including any check marks), and the Examiner should add a note explaining in Item 60, the person's inability to enter the data.
Strict compliance with this procedure is essential in case it becomes necessary for the FAA to take legal action for falsification of the application.
