Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your FAA questions.
For civil operations, with a UAS or drone greater than 55 pounds, you would need to obtain an exemption the Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems (U.S.C. 44807).
Still can't find what you are looking for? Please feel free to contact the UAS Support Center for general questions and comments.
There are no PIC requirements specific to carrying skydivers. However, a private pilot may not act as PIC or second in command of an aircraft carrying persons or property for compensation or hire. See 14 CFR 61 Section 61.113 and 14 CFR Part 105 for information about parachute operations.
You can find hang glider operating rules on the Government Printing Office Electronic Code of Federal Regulations website.
What are the special considerations that need to be taken into account when flying drones near air force bases?
You can find testing requirements for a private pilot certificate in Regulation 14 CFR 61.103(d).
You can find information about the different classes of medical certificates and how long they are valid on our website.
Upon the successful passage of TRUST, the test administrator will issue a certificate to the recreational flyer. The certificate will contain a random, 15-digit alpha numeric token. The first four characters identify the test administrator. The test administrator will provide the 15-digit alpha numeric token to the FAA. Neither the test administrator, nor the FAA, will maintain personally identifiable information about the recreational flyer.
Still can't find what you are looking for? Please feel free to contact the UAS Support Center for general questions and comments.
AMCS validates the information entered based on exam type, class, and age of the applicant. Data validation ensures that the information submitted conforms to the proper format and also ensures the information is within the acceptable ranges.
AMEs are required to test an applicant's vision. Applicants must meet the vision standards either with or without correction. If an airman has no useful vision in one eye, enter 999 in the related vision fields and enter a comment in Item 60 to explain.
- All applicants must bring a valid and current form of identification that includes their photo, date of birth, signature, and physical residential address. Acceptable forms of identification include:
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More information is available in the FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (PDF).
Still can't find what you are looking for? Please feel free to contact the UAS Support Center for general questions and comments.
There are 2 pathways available to pilots with a history of ADHD. Go to www.faa.gov/go/adhd or discuss with your AME requirements for each pathway.
FAST TRACK - FAA ADHD criteria:
- No treatment or use of ADHD medication (for any condition) in the past 4-years;
- No symptoms of ADHD in the past 4-years;
- No instability in academic, occupational, or social functioning in the past 4-years; and
- No other psychiatric condition(s) or diagnosis (current or historical).
If you do not meet the criteria above for FAST TRACK, you will need to provide an evaluation in accordance with the STANDARD TRACK - FAA ADHD Guidelines.
You must be off all ADHD medications and remain symptom-free for at least 90-days prior to the Standard Track Evaluation.
To find specific requirements for a pilot with high blood pressure, you would need to refer directly to the FAA AME Guide. However, generally, if a pilot has high blood pressure, they may need to bring:
- A detailed Clinical Progress Note* from your treating physician, detailing the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
- A list of medications being taken, including dosages and any side effects.
*Performed no more than 90 days before the AME exam.
You can find more information in the AME Guide: CACI - Hypertension Worksheet
To find specific information on what you need to take to your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) if you have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you'll need to refer directly to the FAA AME Guide at the provided link. However, generally speaking, if you have been diagnosed with OSA, you will likely need to provide the following:
- A signed FAA Compliance with Treatment form or equivalent.
- The results and interpretive report of your most recent sleep study.
- A detailed clinical progress note from your treating physician in accordance with the OSA Status Report - Initial or equivalent.
For CPAP/ BIPAP/ APAP:
A PAP device report that meets the following qualifications. (1). The initial special issuance request must include a minimum of 30 days PAP usage; renewal of a special issuance MUST cover the last 12 months, not just the last 30 days. (2) It shows the actual time the device was used during this period. (This is different than a report typically generated for insurance providers which only shows if the use is greater or less than 4 hours). (3) Target goal should show use for at least 75% of sleep periods and an average minimum of 6 hours use per sleep period.
For Dental Devices or for Positional Devices:
Once Dental Devices with recording/monitoring capabilities are available, reports must be submitted.
According to the FAA AME Guide, if you have diabetes that is treated with any medication other than insulin, you generally need to provide the following information to your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME):
- A current* Diabetes or Hyperglycemia on Medication Status Report completed by your treating physician or equivalent.
*Performed no more than 90 days before the AME exam.
According to the FAA AME Guide, if you have a drug or alcohol-related offense, you will generally need to provide the following information to your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME):
- Airman Personal Statement which address each item on the FAA Certification Aid- HIMS Drug and Alcohol - INITIAL (page 4)
- BLOOD/BREATH ALCOHOL CONTENT (BAC) from all offenses:
- A copy of the narrative police/investigative report and a copy of the blood/breath alcohol content (BAC) report. NOTE: If you are unable to obtain a copy of the police investigative report, you will need to provide correspondence on official letterhead from the arresting jurisdiction advising that the investigating officer's report is unavailable/unobtainable.
- Complete copies of all court records associated with the offense.
- A complete copy of your current driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles from any state that you have held a driver’s license, for the past 10 years.
- All records associated with any care, hospital treatment related to your drug or alcohol related offense, or assessments/evaluations for substance abuse or related disorders.
For the most accurate and specific guidance, it is essential to consult the AME Guide directly as requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the specifics of the offense. You can find out more in the AME Guide: https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/media/SubstancesAbuseDependenceFAQ.pdf
According to the FAA AME Guide, if you have a history of kidney stones, the information you need to provide to your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) will vary based on how long ago your most recent episode was and complications. See Kidney Stone(s) (Nephrolithiasis, Renal Calculi) or Renal Colic
If you had a kidney stone within the past 5 years with no complications you will need:
- A detailed clinical progress note from your treating physician regarding your history of kidney stone(s). The progress note should address all items on the CACI worksheet. You may want to bring a copy to your physician. CACI – Retained Kidney Stone(s) Worksheet
If you have a mental health condition that is currently being treated solely with therapy or you have not taken medication for more than two years, the FAA AME Guide generally suggests you bring the following to your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) appointment:
- Current detailed clinical progress note from your treating mental health professional. This report should include your diagnosis, history of the condition, the course of treatment, and your current status.
- Relevant Medical History: Any other medical records that pertain to your mental health history, including previous evaluations or treatments.
As requirements can vary based on individual circumstances and the specific nature of the mental health condition, find out more in the AME Guide: Anxiety, Depression, and Related Conditions Disposition Table
You must present identification that includes your:
- photograph
- signature
- permanent mailing address
- proof of age
You must also present eligibility documentation, whether the test is an initial attempt or a retake, as described in FAA's Airman Knowledge Testing Authorization Requirements Matrix.
Preflight your exam describes the process of a pilot preparing for their medical exam by reviewing available resources to determine if the FAA may need additional documentation about their medical status. This is especially important for first-time applicants or a returning applicant with a new or changed medical condition.
We've gathered a list of frequently reported medical conditions to help pilots understand what additional documentation the FAA and/or their AME may need to make a determination.
The FAA does not set fees for the performance of the medical exam and issuance of the medical certificate. Aviation Medical Examiners are allowed to charge the applicant appropriately, as long as it is not more than the usual fee for similar examinations for other purposes. If you are concerned about the cost of the exam, please discuss this with the doctor you are thinking about seeing. The FAA has no additional fees above what the physician charges.