Does reliable information even exist anymore?

Fellow Aviators,

One question that I frequently receive from aspiring and practicing pilots is, "Where can I access trustworthy information regarding how my medical condition impacts my eligibility for a medical certificate?"

The short answer is to reference the AME guide found here:

https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide

Considered "the bible" of medical certification, this guide can be as daunting and difficult to interpret as the actual bible mostly because it is tailored for physicians and riddled with jargon. Nevertheless, there have been notable advancements in the amount of information provided directly to pilots by the FAA and you will find digestible and helpful information throughout the AME guide.

While the AME guide can be cumbersome, it is the most reliable information out there as it comes directly from the FAA. I find the sections on CACI conditions to be of particular help and I would strongly encourage you to print and take the CACI condition criteria with you to your doctor's visit so they can write a current detailed clinical progress note that address all of the required areas. CACI information can be access by anyone here:

https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/certification_ws

Alternatively, if you are looking for a more pilot friendly source, I have found the information published by AOPA to be stellar and generally easier to understand. They offer a dedicated web page on medical certification with reliable information. If you are unable to find the answer through their podcasts, videos, or articles, you can contact their medical certification specialists by email or phone. You can access their website through the following link:

https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-resources

Lastly, I am happy to discuss specific circumstances and offer guidance. You can reach me by calling 406-426-1901.

Thank you for reading, and I hope you have found this helpful.

MH