Pilot Medical Certification Questions and Answers
What is a medical certificate?
Under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 1, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) defines a medical certificate as “acceptable evidence of physical
fitness on a form prescribed by the Administrator.” The primary goal of the airman medical
certification program is to protect not only those who would exercise the privileges of a
pilot certificate but also air travelers and the general public.
A person who meets FAA airmen medical standards, based on a medical examination and an evaluation
of medical history, is entitled to a medical certificate without restriction or limitation other
than the prescribed limitation as to its duration. Individuals required to hold a medical
certificate must have it in their personal possession at all times when exercising the privileges
for which they are licensed.