Does FAA check your medical history?

But, sooner or later, most pilots will develop a medical condition that they cannot hide. When that happens, your whole medical history will come under review. If you ever need to submit medical records to the FAA, they will review everything you give them.



Yes, the FAA performs a rigorous check of your medical history every time you apply for or renew an Airman Medical Certificate. Before meeting with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), you must fill out a "MedXPress" application where you are legally required to disclose all past and present medical conditions, hospitalizations, surgeries, and medications. The FAA specifically looks for a history of cardiovascular issues (like heart attacks), neurological disorders (like epilepsy), and mental health conditions (like depression or ADHD). In 2026, the FAA has a direct data-sharing link with the National Driver Register, allowing them to cross-reference your medical application with any DUI or substance-abuse-related driving offenses. Falsifying or omitting any part of your medical history is a federal crime that leads to the immediate revocation of all pilot certificates and can result in significant fines or imprisonment. It is always better to report a condition and seek a "Special Issuance" (waiver) than to hide it.

People Also Ask

What medical conditions does FAA consider disqualifying?
  • Angina pectoris.
  • Bipolar disease.
  • Cardiac valve replacement.
  • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant.
  • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications.


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In the best case, they may issue you a certificate. Frequently, the review and submission process can repeat itself for several iterations. The process generally takes up to six months, but we have heard from a number of pilots who have spent more than a year stuck in the review and submission loop.

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Criminal Background Check Required
  • Aircraft piracy.
  • Aircraft piracy outside the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
  • Armed robbery.
  • Assault with intent to murder.
  • Carrying a weapon or explosive aboard an aircraft.
  • Commission of certain crimes aboard aircraft in flight.
  • Conveying false information and threats.


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Most people pass the aviation medical exam without a problem. Pilots with certain medical conditions may require a special issuance medical certificate, which means that the doctor must submit your application to the FAA for review.

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If pilot's clearly do not meet FAA medical standards, particularly if they have conditions that are specifically grounding in Part 67 of the FARs or the Guide to Aviation Medical Examiners, the aviation medical examiner may issue a denial letter to the pilot revoking the pilot's current medical privileges.

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If you have been denied a medical because of a disqualifying medical condition and are caught flying, the penalty will probably be revocation of all your airman certificates and ratings.

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If a request for special issuance certification is denied by the FAA, the only recourse available to the applicant is to later make another request for special issuance status to the FAA, supported by evidence showing sustained medical stability or improvement.

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Airman applicants with a BMI of 40 or more will have to be evaluated by a physician who is a board certified sleep specialist, and anyone who is diagnosed with OSA will have to be treated before they can be medically certificated.

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