AME Record Keeping & Reporting Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How long must an AME retain copies of completed FAA Form 8500-8 medical applications?
- 1 year
- 3 years (Correct answer)
- 5 years
- 7 years
Correct answer: 3 years
AMEs are required to retain copies of FAA Form 8500-8 for a minimum of 3 years.
Question 2: When an AME defers an airman's medical application to the AMCD, which action is required?
- Destroy the applicant's records immediately
- Transmit the completed application and all supporting documents to the AMCD (Correct answer)
- Issue a temporary certificate pending AMCD review
- Notify the applicant's employer of the deferral
Correct answer: Transmit the completed application and all supporting documents to the AMCD
Upon deferral, the AME must send the completed Form 8500-8 and any supporting medical records to the Aerospace Medical Certification Division.
Question 3: Which of the following findings must an AME report to the FAA even if the airman's medical certificate is issued?
- Mild seasonal allergies
- Corrected vision requiring glasses
- A history of kidney stones resolved without surgery
- Positive HIV status (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Positive HIV status
HIV-positive status is a disqualifying condition that must be reported regardless of certificate issuance decisions.
Question 4: An AME discovers during an exam that an airman has an undisclosed FAA enforcement action history. What is the AME's documentation obligation?
- Note the finding on Form 8500-8 and defer to AMCD (Correct answer)
- Ignore the information as outside medical scope
- Contact the airman's attorney before documenting
- Complete the certificate and file a separate enforcement report
Correct answer: Note the finding on Form 8500-8 and defer to AMCD
Any material information affecting airman eligibility must be noted on Form 8500-8 and the application deferred to AMCD for review.
Question 5: Under 14 CFR Part 67, what is the AME's responsibility if an applicant refuses to consent to the release of medical records?
- Issue the certificate anyway
- Defer the application and document the refusal (Correct answer)
- Conduct the exam with available information only
- Report the airman to the FAA Security division
Correct answer: Defer the application and document the refusal
An applicant's refusal to consent to records release is a basis for deferral, and the AME must document the refusal on the application.
Question 6: Which document serves as the official record of the aviation medical examination transmitted electronically to the FAA?
- AME's private examination notes
- FAA Form 8500-8 submitted via MedXPress (Correct answer)
- The airman's personal health summary
- The AME's clinic intake form
Correct answer: FAA Form 8500-8 submitted via MedXPress
FAA Form 8500-8 completed through the MedXPress system is the official electronic record transmitted to the FAA.
Question 7: When must an AME report a valid medical certificate that was issued in error?
- Within 60 days of discovering the error
- Immediately upon discovery (Correct answer)
- At the next scheduled AME renewal
- Only if the airman requests it
Correct answer: Immediately upon discovery
An AME who discovers a certificate was issued in error must report it to the FAA immediately to protect aviation safety.
AME Record Keeping & Reporting Procedures 2
How long must an AME retain copies of completed FAA Form 8500-8 medical applications?