Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners

Current revision date - January 1, 2021

The Guide provides pertinent information and guidance needed to perform the duties and responsibilities of an Aviation Medical Examiner.

NOTE: Updates to the AME Guide are posted on the last Wednesday of each month, usually before 9:00 a.m. CT. For specific dates, please see the 2021 update schedule. Refer to the Archives (PDF) document for a description of changes posted each month.

Methods to navigate through the Guide

• FAA Form 8500-8; Application Process and Examination Techniques
  • General Information
  • Applicant History (Items 1-20)
  • Examination Techniques (Items 21-58)
  • Application Review (Items 59-64)
• Aeromedical Decision Considerations
  • Aerospace Medical Dispositions
  • CACI Certification Worksheets
  • Disease Protocols
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Special Issuances
  • Substances of Dependence/Abuse
  • Synopsis of Medical Standards

Resources

• Student Pilot Rule Change (PDF)
• Download, Print, or View the Complete AME Guide (PDF) (best viewed using Google Chrome)
• Archives and Updates - Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners (PDF)
• Designee Management Policy - FAA Order 8000.95 (PDF)
• Glossary
• International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) - The International Standards on Personnel Licensing are contained in Annex 1 - Personnel Licensing to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The FAA maintains an updated, hard copy of all the ICAO Annexes and also an on-line subscription. The FAA makes copies of Annex 1 available at seminars and can provide Examiners access upon request.
• Locate an Office
  • Regional and Center Medical Offices
  • Flight Standards District Offices
• 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 67 Medical Standards and Certification
• Listing of HIMS Independent Medical Sponsors: MS Word, PDF