Understanding special issuance

These letters may be easier to understand if you categorize them as follows.

The medical certificate application is the process of completing the MedXPress application and seeing the AME for a physical exam. This frequency is described in FAR 61.23.

Authorization for special issuance (SI) or authorization for AME assisted special issuance (AASI) is for a condition deemed disqualifying until approved by the FAA.

• Requires FAA approval first and a status update every 12 months.
• Medical certificates expire every 12 months.
• With favorable status updates, new medical certificates issued are valid for the next 12 months.
• MedXPress and AME physical exams only required as dictated by the class of medical certificate.
• SI renewal is sent to the FAA. If eligible, a new certificate valid for 12 months is issued.
• AASI is presented to your AME, if eligible, a new certificate valid for 12 months is issued.
• Authorization is valid for the class for which you applied.
• Authorization is valid for five years. The FAA will then determine to either discontinue or renew.

CACI (Conditions AMEs Can Issue):

• Documentation is provided to the AME with each new MedXPress application and physical exam.
• The exception is a first class certificate is renewed every 6 months; the CACI is only required every 12 months.
• An AME is authorized to issue a medical certificate if the airmen meet medical standards.

For more information, please call the AOPA Pilot Information Center at 800-872-2672. Anita Fetzer is a senior medical certification specialist for the AOPA Pilot Information Center.

Anita Fetzer is a senior medical certification specialist for the AOPA Pilot Information Center.