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FAA Discontinuing Paper Medical Forms

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Key Takeaways:

  • Beginning October 1, the FAA will mandate the use of its online "FAA MedXpress" system for the Form 8500-8 medical application, replacing paper forms.
  • This change is intended to streamline the medical certification process by reducing errors, enhancing security, and making the system more efficient.
  • Pilots will complete their application online, which their AME will then review during the medical examination.
  • The FAA anticipates saving $150,000 annually with this digital transition, though the final Form 8500-9 medical certificate will still be issued on paper.
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Beginning on Oct. 1, the FAA will switch to its online Form 8500-8 medical application, otherwise known as “FAA MedXpress,” in a move aimed at eliminating the cumbersome paper medical forms.

The FAA introduced the online form in 2007, but didn’t make its use mandatory. In explaining the change, the agency said the MedXpress system “has evolved considerably, streamlining FAA medical certification into a much more efficient and seamless process.” The online forms reduce the chance for errors and are more secure than paper forms, the FAA noted.

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