FAR 67.407 — Medical Certificate Delegation
FAR 67.407 explains how the FAA delegates medical certification authority to the Federal Air Surgeon, AMEs, and Regional Flight Surgeons.
FAR 67.407 explains who actually has the legal authority to issue, deny, or reconsider your medical certificate. While the law (49 U.S.C. 44703) gives this power to the FAA Administrator, it's delegated downward so the system can function day-to-day.
Here's how the delegation flows:
- The Federal Air Surgeon is delegated authority to examine applicants, issue/deny medicals, and grant or withdraw Special Issuance Authorizations and Statements of Demonstrated Ability (SODA).
- Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) and authorized FAA representatives are further delegated the authority to examine pilots and issue, renew, or deny medicals.
- The Federal Air Surgeon, the Manager of the Aeromedical Certification Division, and Regional Flight Surgeons can reconsider an AME's decision.
Why it matters operationally: a medical issued by your AME is considered affirmed unless an authorized FAA official reverses it within 60 days of issuance — or within 60 days of receiving additional medical info they requested. So your medical isn't truly "final" the moment you walk out of the AME's office.
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?