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Coping with CAMI

Ben Bishop Art
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The FAA's medical certification system involves Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) and the Office of Aerospace Medicine (AAM)/CAMI, which aims to approve qualified applicants, with most medicals issued immediately or through "Conditions an AME Can Issue" (CACI).
  • For disqualifying medical conditions, pilots can often obtain waivers such as Special Issuances (requiring detailed, ongoing FAA review) or non-expiring Statements of Demonstrated Ability (SODAs) for static conditions.
  • The Special Issuance process is often detailed, lengthy, and requires precise documentation and prompt responses from applicants, though initiatives are underway to improve its efficiency and transparency.
  • BasicMed offers an alternative medical certification pathway for eligible pilots, allowing them to bypass certain FAA bureaucratic requirements for their medicals.
See a mistake? Contact us.

FAA’s Office of Aerospace Medicine (AAM) in Washington, D.C., led by Dr. Susan Northrup, the Federal Air Surgeon, has jurisdiction over CAMI. The divisions of CAMI we care most about are Aerospace Medical Certification (AMCD), Medical Specialties, and the nine Regional Flight Surgeons (RFS), who can issue or deny most medicals. They can help resolve certificate issues, and you’re free to call them directly if you wish. All these levels mean interesting processes.

You and Your AME

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