A pilot holds a valid medical but knows of a new condition that would fail the exam. May they act as PIC?
No. A known medical deficiency grounds the pilot, even with a valid certificate.
- No, not while they know of the condition ✔
- Yes, until the medical certificate expires
- Yes, if a passenger is also a pilot
Why: No pilot may act as PIC while they know or have reason to know of a medical condition that would make them unable to meet the medical certificate standards. The same applies to medication that disqualifies them.
Huh, didn't know that: The rule covers any required pilot flightcrew duty, not only acting as pilot in command.
I told my doctor I feel like an airplane. He said, 'You just need to take off for a few days.'
References
Answer: No, not while they know of the condition. No pilot may act as PIC while they know or have reason to know of a medical condition that would make them unable to meet the medical certificate standards. The same applies to medication that disqualifies them.
- 14 CFR 61.53 Prohibition on operations during medical deficiency www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.53
no person who holds a medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter may act as pilot in command
Checked 2026-10-09. - 14 CFR 61.53 Prohibition on operations during medical deficiency www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.53
Knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate
Checked 2026-10-09.
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