FAA Delays Implementation of Disputed Medical Certificate Revisions
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided to postpone the implementation of disputed changes to the airman medical certification process. This decision comes in the wake of substantial feedback from various aviation stakeholders. The proposed changes, which were initially set to take effect on January 1, 2025, have now been deferred until March 1, 2025.
Under the proposed policy, the FAA intended to cease its longstanding practice of deferring incomplete medical applications. Instead, it planned to issue immediate denials while providing steps for reconsideration. Aviation organizations, including AOPA and NBAA, voiced concerns that such denials could lead to unintended consequences and escalate complexity for applicants.
The postponement provides the FAA with additional time to educate the pilot community and conduct a listening session with various aviation associations. It’s important to note that this decision was not associated with the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Rather, it was driven by the need to provide immediate answers to airmen regarding the medical certification process.
- Source: AOPA