Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners

Current revision date – February 22, 2023

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, see the 2023 update schedule.

AME ALERT

Exam Techniques:

• Major revision of Neurologic section.  New and/or expanded disposition tables added for 37 conditions. See Archives and Updates for listing.
• New and/or expanded disposition tables added in other sections: Cerebral Palsy; Hypothyroid or Hypothyroidism (Including Hashimoto’s Disease); Restless Leg Syndrome; and Neuropathy.

CACIs:

• CACI-Hypothyroidism Worksheet revised.  Acceptable TSH level is 9.9 (uIU/mL or mlU/L) or less within the last 1(one) year.
• New CACI – Essential Tremor Worksheet added.

AASIs:

• New Cerebrovascular Disease (CVA/Stroke/TIA) and Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) added.

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

• AMCS Technical Support (PDF)
• Download, Print, or View the Complete AME Guide (PDF) (best viewed using Google Chrome)
• Archives and Updates – Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
• Designee Management Policy – FAA Order 8000.95B
• 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
• Pilot Information - Current Detailed Clinical Progress Note
• Student Pilot Rule Change (PDF)
• Listing of HIMS AMEs and HIMS Independent Medical Sponsors: MS Word, PDF