FAA Postpones New Medical Certificate Policy Amid Industry Pushback
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a two-month delay of a contentious new medical certification policy. This decision comes in response to substantial pressure from aviation industry groups and Congressional leadership. Initially set to take effect on January 1, 2025, the policy change has been postponed until March 1, 2025. This extension allows for further stakeholder input and education.
The proposed policy would have drastically changed the medical certification process. Applications deemed incomplete would have been immediately denied, instead of being deferred while additional information was collected. Under the previous system, pilots could continue flying with existing medical certificates during the information-gathering process. However, the new approach would have grounded pilots immediately upon denial, barring them from exercising any flying privileges, including BasicMed and Light Sport Aircraft operations.
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) spearheaded the opposition effort. He wrote directly to FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker on December 18. His intervention followed a formal request for the delay by a coalition of 14 aviation organizations, including AOPA, EAA, and the Air Line Pilots Association, on December 13. The coalition cited potential unintended consequences and applicant confusion as their primary concerns.
“The FAA’s use of denials, in lieu of the currently used deferral, as a routine part of the medical application process will significantly increase unneeded confusion for applicants,” the coalition stated.
The FAA acknowledged these concerns and committed to hosting a listening session with aviation associations in January 2025 before proceeding with any policy changes.
Source: https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2024/december/18/graves-demands-medical-policy-delay