Discretionary Medical Issuance

FAR 67.315 — Discretionary Medical Issuance

FAR 67.315 lets applicants who don't meet third-class medical standards apply for a discretionary issuance under § 67.401. Here's what it means for pilots.

In Plain English

FAR 67.315 is a short but important safety net for pilots who can't meet the standard third-class medical certificate requirements found in §§ 67.303 through 67.313 (eye, ear/nose/throat/equilibrium, mental, neurologic, cardiovascular, and general medical standards).

If you fail one or more of those standards, you aren't automatically grounded. Instead, you may apply for a discretionary issuance — sometimes called a Special Issuance or Authorization — under § 67.401. The FAA Federal Air Surgeon can then evaluate your specific condition and decide whether to issue a certificate, often with limitations or follow-up reporting requirements.

Why it matters operationally:

A disqualifying condition (e.g., diabetes requiring insulin, certain cardiovascular events, vision deficits) does not necessarily end your flying.
You must still apply through the FAA process; you cannot self-certify around the standards.
The pathway is discretionary, meaning the FAA — not the applicant — decides whether to grant the certificate.

This section simply points the way: if standard issuance is unavailable, § 67.401 is your route.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 67.315

§ 67.315 Discretionary issuance. A person who does not meet the provisions of §§ 67.303 through 67.313 may apply for the discretionary issuance of a certificate under § 67.401.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1If a pilot can't meet the third-class medical standards, are they permanently disqualified?

No. Under FAR 67.315, an applicant who doesn't meet §§ 67.303 through 67.313 may apply for a discretionary issuance under § 67.401.

Q2What regulation governs the discretionary (Special Issuance) process for a third-class medical?

FAR 67.315 directs applicants to § 67.401, which provides the procedure for discretionary issuance of a medical certificate.

Q3Who decides whether a discretionary medical certificate is granted?

Per FAR 67.315 and § 67.401, the issuance is at the FAA's discretion — the applicant doesn't qualify automatically just by applying.

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Private Pilot Requirements

Including medical certificates

How to Become a Pilot

Medical class explained

Related Sections in Part 67

§ 67.1

Medical Certificate Applicability

§ 67.101

First-Class Medical Eligibility

§ 67.103

First-Class Medical Eye Standards

§ 67.105

First-Class Medical ENT Standards

§ 67.107

First-Class Medical Mental Standards

§ 67.109

First-Class Medical Neurologic Standards

§ 67.111

First-Class Medical Cardiovascular

§ 67.113

First-Class Medical Standards

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