Regulator Proposes Easing Pilot Trainee Medical Rules

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a rule that would exempt military pilot trainees from the requirement to hold an FAA third-class medical certificate, provided they already meet U.S. military pilot medical examination standards. The agency has determined that military medical examinations meet or exceed the safety level of FAA third-class certification, making the dual requirement redundant.

The proposed rule, published August 10, 2026, in the Federal Register, would extend to military pilot trainees the same exception already granted to fully qualified U.S. military pilots. It would apply to trainees sponsored by the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force, Coast Guard, and National Guard and Reserve units, as well as foreign military pilot trainees sponsored by the U.S. Armed Forces.

FAA estimates about 2,000 military pilot trainees are affected each year, with 450 trainees potentially newly eligible under the proposal. The agency projects cost savings of $946,000 per year, or $2.9 million over five years at a seven percent discount rate, by eliminating certificate application and review costs currently borne by the U.S. Armed Forces and FAA.

The rule would add new definitions for "military pilot trainee" and "military pilot medical examination" to 14 CFR 61.1, and would amend 14 CFR 61.3 and 61.23 accordingly. FAA is accepting public comments on the proposal through October 9, 2026.