DUI/DWI Reporting and Your Medical (61.15)

An alcohol- or drug-related motor-vehicle action creates duties for a pilot that are easy to get wrong — and the reporting failure is often treated more harshly than the event itself.

The 61.15 report

Under 14 CFR 61.15(e), if you have a motor-vehicle action — a conviction for driving while intoxicated/impaired, or an administrative action such as a licence suspension or revocation for a refusal or a failed/positive alcohol test — you must send a written report to the FAA's Civil Aviation Security division (AMC-700 in Oklahoma City) within 60 days of the action. Note that each action is reportable: an administrative licence suspension and a later conviction arising from the same night are two reportable events.

It is separate from the medical

This 61.15 report is independent of your medical application. Item 18(v) on the medical form separately asks about arrests, convictions and administrative actions — you must answer it truthfully as well. Reporting under 61.15 does not satisfy the medical question, and vice versa.

Why it matters

A single reportable event is often survivable; failing to report, or falsifying the medical, is grounds for denial, suspension or revocation of certificates in its own right (14 CFR 61.15(d)). If you are unsure whether something is reportable, treat it as reportable and get advice promptly — the 60-day clock is unforgiving.

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*Reference and training only — not for navigation or as legal advice. Always consult the current 14 CFR, the AIM, your aircraft’s POH/AFM and a certificated flight instructor.*