General Information for all AMEs

Drug and alcohol use, abuse or dependence can be of significant concern to the flying public. Arrest(s), conviction(s) and/or administrative action(s) affecting driving privileges may raise questions about the applicant's fitness for certification and may be cause for disqualification. When an airman checks yes to items 18.n., 18.o., or 18.v., or AME notes Item 47 concerns, additional history should be obtained by the AME regarding these events. The AME should then follow the instructions in the corresponding disposition table(s).

Some of the most common Substances of Dependence/Abuse are listed below. This list is not totally inclusive or comprehensive. No independent interpretation of the FAA's position with respect to a medication included or excluded from the list should be assumed.

I. All Classes: 14 CFR 67.107(a)(b), 67.207(a)(b), and 67.307(a)(b)

First-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.107
Second-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.207
Third-Class Airman Medical Certificate: 67.307

II. Exam Techniques

The FAA has concluded that certain conditions are such that their presence or a past history of their presence is sufficient to suggest a significant potential threat to aviation safety. It is, therefore, incumbent upon the Examiner to be aware of any indications of these conditions currently or in the past, and to deny or defer issuance of the medical certificate to an applicant who has a history of these conditions. An applicant who has a current diagnosis or history of these conditions may request the FAA to grant an Authorization under the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401) and, based upon individual considerations, the FAA may grant such an issuance.

III. Aerospace Medical Disposition

The Aerospace Medical Disposition Tables list the most common conditions of aeromedical significance and course of action that should be taken by the examiner as defined by the protocol and disposition in the table. Medical certificates must not be issued to an applicant with medical conditions that require deferral, or for any condition not listed in the table that may result in sudden or subtle incapacitation without consulting the AMCD or the RFS. Medical documentation must be submitted for any condition in order to support an issuance of an airman medical certificate.