Medical Standards and Certification

Individuals seeking to exercise pilot privileges are required to obtain a FAA medical certificate per 14 CFR §61.3(c) and §67.4. The collection is mandatory to be reported on occasion (as needed) based on the duration of the three classes of medical certificates as specified in 14 CFR §61.3(d) and will vary among respondents. The FAA collects this medical information only when an individual initially applies for or renews a FAA medical certificate. All applications and supporting documentation received are for decision-making and recordkeeping purposes. Respondents provide private medical information in order to meet FAA standards; their applications contain personally identifying information (PII). The application contains questions regarding medical history, the usage of medication, recent visits to a health professional, etc. It is anticipated that the information collected will be disseminated to Aviation Medical Examiners (i.e. public physicians designated by the FAA) through an automated system or used to support publicly disseminated information. The FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine will retain control over the information and safeguard it from improper access, modification, and destruction, consistent with FAA standards for confidentiality, privacy, and electronic information. See response to Question 10 of this Supporting Statement for more information on confidentiality and privacy. The information collection is designed to yield data that meet all applicable information quality guidelines. The FAA assigns a unique Pathology Index number (called a PI#) to each respondent’s application. Renewal applicants maintain the same PI# as their unique identifier for the lifecycle of their applications with the FAA. Following is a brief description of the purpose of this medical information collection: FAA Form 8500-7, Report of Eye Evaluation: Applicants who do not meet distant visual acuity standards and who desire an Authorization for Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate must submit FAA Form 8500-7 for evaluation and determination by FAA physicians. FAA Form 8500-8, Application for Airman Medical Certificate or Airman Medical and Student Pilot Certificate: Applicants complete this form to make application for an FAA medical certificate. FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) perform a medical examination and, based on the applicants’ input, work with Agency physicians to assess an applicant’s medical fitness. FAA Form 8500-14, Ophthalmological Evaluation for Glaucoma: Applicants with glaucoma must submit FAA Form 8500-14 so that FAA physicians can make determinations regarding permissible operational flight activities commensurate with their medical condition and public safety.

The latest form for Medical Standards and Certification expires 2026-08-31 and can be found here.

Report of Eye Evaluation, Ophthalmologic Evaluation for Glaucoma

Federal Enterprise Architecture: Transportation - Air Transportation

Review document collections for all forms, instructions, and supporting documents - including paper/printable forms.