Who is eligible to provide a medical certificate?

The eligibility to provide a medical certificate specifically falls to an aviation medical examiner (AME). AMEs are the only professionals authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to conduct medical evaluations for pilots and issue the necessary medical certificates required for flying. They are specially trained and understand the unique medical standards set forth by the FAA for different classes of medical certification.

While any licensed physician has general medical training, they may not possess the specific knowledge or training relating to aviation medicine or the FAA’s requirements, which are critical for making a properly informed decision regarding a pilot's fitness to fly. Similarly, a certified flight instructor and a flight school director do not have the medical credentials required to issue a medical certificate, as their roles focus on providing flight training and operational oversight, not medical assessment.

Therefore, the role of the AME is essential, as they are the designated professionals equipped to evaluate the health conditions of pilots and ensure that they meet safety standards for aviation operations.