Special Issuance Authorization, New Requirement
In July 2008, the FAA amended 14 CFR 67.401 (Special Issuance of Medical certificates). Paragraph (j) now states that for a pilot who holds a Special Issuance Authorization letter or a Statement of Demonstrated Ability, that letter “…must be in that person’s physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft.” The rule was implemented by the FAA Flight Standards Division primarily to be in compliance with ICAO standards. The FAA Office of Aerospace Medicine has expressed a concern for privacy in these cases
Pilots flying internationally may encounter aviation officials more strictly enforcing medical documentation. In a change from past requirements, pilots may be asked to produce their Special Issuance Authorization letter (and any Statement of Demonstrated Ability) addition to a current medical certificate.
The issue at hand here is that FAA medical certificates do not state limiting or disqualifying diagnoses. However, the Special Issuance Authorization letter lists the specific diagnoses for which the airman does not meet certification standards in the first paragraph. The letter goes on to state requirements for further testing required to maintain or renew the Authorization.
Pilots with questions about this new regulatory requirement should call their AME to discuss implications for their personal situation.