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 2025 update schedule.

AME ALERT

Current revision date – August 27, 2025

New - Item 31-34. Eye Section

• Eyes-Lens Implant Disposition Table (PDF)
• Eyes-Lens Implant Status Summary (PDF)
• Cataracts and Intraocular Lenses (IOL) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (PDF)
• Cataract(s) Disposition Table (PDF)
• Eyes-Refractive Surgery Disposition Table (PDF)
• Eyes-Refractive Surgery Status Summary (PDF)
• Blepharitis and Conjunctivitis Disposition Table (PDF)
• Optic Neuritis Disposition Table (PDF)
• Coloboma Disposition Table (PDF)
• Ocular Histoplasmosis Disposition Table (PDF)
• Quality of Vision Questionnaire (PDF)

Updated:

• Color Vision – Test parameters for Pilots and ATCS (PDF), expanded FAQs (PDF), and redesigned Flow Chart (PDF). Flow Chart orientation changed to left to right, starting with pathways for “Returning Pilot” and “First-Time Applicant.”
• AME Equipment and Medical Confidentiality sheet (PDF)
• Acceptable Combinations of Diabetes Medications (PDF)
• Antidepressant Medications (PDF) expanded acceptable medication vilazodone (Viibryd)

See the Archives and Updates Section (PDF) for more information.

• 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

• Frequently used webpages
• 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 (PDF)
• Designee Management Policy – FAA Order 8000.95C
• 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 (PDF)
• Student Pilot Rule Change (PDF)
• Listing of HIMS AMEs and HIMS Independent Medical Sponsors: MS Word, PDF
• AAM Medical Certification - OneGuide