Revision of Airman Medical Standards and Certification Procedures and Duration of Medical Certificates

This rule revises airman medical standards and medical certification procedures. The amendments implement a number of recommendations resulting from a comprehensive review of the medical standards announced in previous notices. This revision of the standards for airman medical certification and associated administrative procedures is necessary for aviation safety and reflects current medical knowledge, practice, and terminology. Also, this rule revises procedures for the special issuance of medical certificates (``waivers'') for those airmen who are otherwise not entitled to a medical certificate. This rule also changes the duration of third-class airman medical certificates, based on the age of the airman, for operations requiring a private, recreational, or student pilot certificate. Also, in this document, the FAA is announcing disposition of a number of petitions for rulemaking related to medical standards and duration of medical certificates.