Mental

This regulation sets mental health standards for first-class medical certificates (required for airline transport pilots). You cannot be certified if you have a history or diagnosis of:

• Severe personality disorders with repeated overt acts
• Psychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, or grossly disorganized behavior)
• Bipolar disorder
• Substance dependence (unless you can prove at least 2 years of sustained recovery and total abstinence to the Federal Air Surgeon's satisfaction)

You also cannot have substance abuse within the past 2 years, defined as using substances in physically hazardous situations (if it happened more than once), failing or refusing a DOT drug/alcohol test, or misusing substances in ways that impair your ability to fly safely.

Finally, the Federal Air Surgeon can deny certification for any other mental condition that makes you unable—or may reasonably be expected to make you unable—to safely perform pilot duties during the certificate's duration. These standards ensure pilots can safely exercise their privileges without mental health impairments.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*