AME Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which regulation defines the medical standards for airman certification in the United States?
- 14 CFR Part 67 (Correct answer)
- 14 CFR Part 61
- 14 CFR Part 91
- 49 CFR Part 40
Correct answer: 14 CFR Part 67
14 CFR Part 67 specifically establishes the medical standards and certification procedures for airman medical certificates.
Question 2: An applicant discloses a prior DUI conviction during a medical exam. The AME's primary obligation is to:
- Accurately document the disclosure and transmit the application to the FAA (Correct answer)
- Deny the certificate based on character concerns
- Contact local law enforcement to verify the conviction
- Refer the applicant to a substance abuse counselor before proceeding
Correct answer: Accurately document the disclosure and transmit the application to the FAA
The AME's duty is to accurately record all disclosed information and forward the complete application to the FAA, which makes the final certification decision.
Question 3: The FAA requires applicants to report all visits to health professionals within the past three years on Form 8500-8. What is the primary legal basis for this requirement?
- Ensuring complete medical history for safety determination (Correct answer)
- Compliance with HIPAA disclosure rules
- Satisfying insurance carrier requirements
- Meeting Department of Transportation drug testing standards
Correct answer: Ensuring complete medical history for safety determination
The comprehensive health history requirement ensures the FAA has sufficient information to make accurate safety-of-flight determinations for each applicant.
Question 4: Under which circumstance may an AME issue a Third Class medical certificate to an applicant with controlled hypertension?
- When blood pressure is controlled to acceptable limits with approved medication (Correct answer)
- Never—any hypertension is automatically disqualifying for all classes
- Only with a Special Issuance Authorization from CAMI
- When the applicant has no family history of cardiac disease
Correct answer: When blood pressure is controlled to acceptable limits with approved medication
Controlled hypertension with blood pressure within acceptable limits on approved antihypertensive medications can meet Third Class medical standards.
Question 5: What is the legal effect of an AME issuing a medical certificate to an applicant who is, in fact, disqualified?
- The certificate is invalid and the AME may face designation termination (Correct answer)
- The certificate is valid but the AME receives a formal warning
- The applicant bears full legal responsibility for the invalid certificate
- The certificate becomes valid after a 30-day review period
Correct answer: The certificate is invalid and the AME may face designation termination
A certificate issued in error or contrary to regulations is legally invalid, and the AME faces potential loss of designation for failing to uphold certification standards.
Question 6: An airman voluntarily surrenders their medical certificate after a diagnosis. What FAA process must they complete to regain certification?
- Apply for a new medical certificate through an AME demonstrating the condition is resolved or controlled (Correct answer)
- Automatically receive reinstatement after 12 months
- File a petition with the NTSB
- Request reinstatement from their Regional Flight Surgeon only
Correct answer: Apply for a new medical certificate through an AME demonstrating the condition is resolved or controlled
Regaining a surrendered certificate requires a new application through an AME who can document the resolution or adequate control of the disqualifying condition.
Question 7: Which entity has authority to conduct audits of AME examination records?
- FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) (Correct answer)
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- State medical licensing boards
Correct answer: FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI)
CAMI, as the FAA's central medical authority, has regulatory oversight of AMEs and the authority to audit examination records for compliance.
AME Regulatory Compliance & Legal Framework 3
Which regulation defines the medical standards for airman certification in the United States?