FAA Suspects Nearly 5,000 Pilots Concealing Medical Issues to Keep Flying

The agency is investigating some 4,800 former military pilots who now fly for Part 121 passenger and air cargo operators, among others.

Jack Daleo

Monday, August 28, 2023 at 04:40 PM ET

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Some 4,800 former military pilots are under scrutiny for alleged falsehoods in their FAA medical records. [Courtesy: Pexels]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA is investigating nearly 5,000 former military pilots for allegedly falsifying medical information on their FAA applications to maintain flying status, while simultaneously claiming VA disability benefits for undisclosed conditions.
Originating from a VA investigation that cross-referenced records, the FAA's probe has temporarily grounded about 60 pilots deemed a clear danger, but most of the pilots under scrutiny continue to fly, with the investigation having been largely kept secret initially.
This issue highlights long-standing systemic flaws in the FAA's medical certification process, which critics argue incentivizes pilots to conceal medical conditions due to strict rules, slow waiver processes, and inadequate communication, leading to calls for reform and potential amnesty for veterans.

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Nearly 5,000 civilian pilots may be providing false information—or excluding it—during their medical examinations in order to continue flying, according to the FAA.

The agency is investigating some 4,800 former military pilots, who told it they were healthy enough to fly but “might have submitted incorrect or false information about certain medical conditions that qualify for Veterans Administration benefits as part of their most recent FAA medical application.”