Federal Register #FAA-2026-9177

FAA Proposes Exemption from Third-Class Medical Certificate for Military Pilot Trainees

This opportunity concerns a proposed regulatory change by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) affecting military pilot trainees: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT) - Office of Safety Standards, General Aviation and Commercial Division, Training and Certification Group - Scope of Proposed Rule: - Amends 14 CFR Part 61 to exempt U.S. military pilot trainees and U.S. Armed Forces-sponsored foreign military pilot trainees from the FAA third-class medical certificate requirement - Applies to all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and foreign trainees sponsored by the U.S. military - Key Details: - Trainees must have an up-to-date U.S. military pilot medical examination, which the FAA deems equivalent or superior to the FAA third-class medical certificate - Aims to reduce administrative burdens and costs for military and civilian flight schools - Maintains existing safety standards - No procurement of products or services is involved; this is a regulatory change - No OEMs, vendors, products, or purchase quantities are mentioned

Description

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes to amend regulations to extend the existing exception for U.S. military pilots from the requirement to hold an FAA third-class medical certificate to military pilot trainees who already meet U.S. military pilot medical examination requirements. The FAA has determined that U.S. military pilot medical examinations meet or exceed the safety level of FAA third-class medical certificate standards, making the dual requirement redundant. This proposed rule aims to streamline the use of civilian flight schools by the U.S. military, reduce administrative burdens and costs, while maintaining safety standards. Comments on the proposal are due by October 9, 2026.

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