What Medical Conditions Could Disqualify You From Becoming a Pilot?

Becoming a pilot is a dream shared by many—but it comes with important safety requirements, including passing a medical exam. Whether you're aiming for a Private Pilot Certificate or planning a professional career in aviation, it’s vital to understand how your health factors into your eligibility.

Let’s break down which medical conditions could disqualify you, how to prepare for your FAA medical exam, and what options you still have—even if you face some medical hurdles.

FAA Medical Exams: The Basics

Before flying solo, student pilots must obtain an FAA medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). There are three classes of medical certificates:

• First-Class: Required for airline transport pilots (ATP)

• Second-Class: Required for commercial pilots

• Third-Class: Required for private and recreational pilots

Most student pilots start with a Third-Class certificate, which has the most lenient health requirements.

Disqualifying Medical Conditions (According to the FAA)

The FAA maintains a list of specifically disqualifying conditions—but having one of these doesn’t always mean the end of your aviation journey. Here are some of the most common conditions that may raise red flags:

1. Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders

Any history of seizures may disqualify you unless you’ve been seizure-free without medication for a significant time and can demonstrate stability.

2. Heart Conditions

Issues like coronary artery disease, heart attacks, or cardiac arrhythmias often require extensive documentation, testing, and FAA review.

3. Psychiatric Disorders

Conditions such as bipolar disorder, severe depression, or psychosis may be disqualifying—especially if there’s been a history of psychiatric hospitalization.

4. Substance Dependence or Abuse

A past or current issue with drug or alcohol abuse is a serious concern. The FAA evaluates these on a case-by-case basis and may require rehab records and urine testing.

5. Diabetes Requiring Insulin

Historically disqualifying, insulin-treated diabetes is now waiverable under certain conditions. Pilots must maintain tight glucose control and submit regular health reports.

6. Vision and Hearing Deficiencies

You must be able to see 20/40 vision (with or without correction) and hear clearly. Color blindness, for example, may not disqualify you outright but could restrict your certification.

What If You Have a Disqualifying Condition?

Here’s the good news: The FAA allows for waivers, special issuances, and deferments. Many aspiring pilots have flown with one or more disqualifying conditions—after providing documentation and sometimes additional testing.

Work with your AME and be transparent. Lying or omitting information on your medical application can permanently bar you from flying.

 How to Prepare for Your Medical Exam

• Be Honest: Disclose your full medical history. The FAA cross-checks your records.

• Bring Documents: Any relevant test results, prescriptions, or notes from your physician.

• Know What to Expect: The exam covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, urine analysis, mental health screening, and a physical exam.

• Choose the Right AME: Some AMEs specialize in working with pilots who have complex medical histories.

• Request a Consult: Some AMEs offer consultations prior to the actual exam. where you can ask questions and gain understanding based on your specific situation. You can also ask your primary care doctor to meet with you beforehand.

What If You Can’t Get a Medical Certificate?

Even if you're ultimately denied an FAA medical, there are still

ways to be part of the aviation world:

1. Sport Pilot Certificate

Sport pilots only need a valid U.S. driver's license (in place of a medical certificate) unless they've been denied an FAA medical. This allows you to fly Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) under certain limitations.

2. Become a Remote (Drone) Pilot

You don’t need a medical certificate to operate under Part 107. Drone pilots can still have exciting aviation careers in photography, surveying, agriculture, and more.

3. Ground Instructor or Dispatcher Roles

If flying is off the table but your passion for aviation remains, consider careers in ground instruction, flight operations, air traffic control, or airline dispatching—none of which require a pilot medical certificate.

Final Thoughts

While medical fitness is essential to aviation safety, having a medical condition doesn’t automatically ground your dreams. The FAA makes decisions based on risk—not on labels. Thousands of pilots fly every day with managed health conditions and FAA-issued waivers.

If you’re unsure where you stand, talk to a trusted Aviation Medical Examiner early in your journey—or better yet, connect with our team here at Colorado Flight Center. We’re here to help you navigate the skies and the paperwork.