The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is abandoning a controversial policy that would have seen pilots issued with an initial denial for airman medicals if they submitted incomplete applications.
The move was announced following a “listening session” with industry stakeholders about how to improve the airman medical process.
“I like to talk about safety being a team sport, and certainly this is part of that process to make things better,” acting FAA administrator Chris Rocheleau said in his opening remarks. “Clearly there are things that are not working for everyone.”
Vertical Association International (VAI) was one of more than a dozen representative associations that provided feedback to the FAA objecting to the plan — which would have seen pilots with incomplete applications put in the same category as those deemed unfit to fly.
“This is a win for our members and for aviation professionals across the United States,” says Cade Clark, chief government affairs officer for VAI, in a press release. “Issuing denials for incomplete paperwork would have created misleading records and unintended career consequences. We’re grateful the FAA listened.”
The agency has received record numbers of applications for medical certificates — about 450,000 in 2024 (compared to a recent annual average of about 385,000), and a doubling of Special Issuance medical certificates since 2019.
The FAA said it is also working to improve the MedXPress portal and modernize the medical process. It is also working to remove barriers that discourage pilots and air traffic controllers from reporting mental health issues.
“These actions clearly show the FAA’s commitment to engage the aviation community as true partners in safety and modernization,” said Clark. “This isn’t just about avoiding harm—it’s about building a system that works better for everyone.”
Industry participants on the call are collaboratively developing a checklist on how to prepare for a medical exam, which they will distribute to members.
