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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 67.207

Mental

Read the official rule

This regulation sets mental health standards for a second-class medical certificate (required for commercial pilots). You cannot have a medical history or diagnosis of:

  • Severe personality disorders that have caused repeated overt acts
  • Psychosis (including delusions, hallucinations, or grossly bizarre behavior)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Substance dependence (unless you have documented recovery with at least 2 years of total abstinence, approved by the Federal Air Surgeon)

You also cannot have had substance abuse within the past 2 years, including using substances in physically hazardous situations (if it happened more than once), failing or refusing DOT drug/alcohol tests, or misusing substances in ways that impair flight safety.

The regulation covers alcohol, illegal drugs, and misused prescription medications—but excludes tobacco and caffeine.

Finally, the Federal Air Surgeon can disqualify you for any other mental condition that makes you unable to safely exercise pilot privileges, either now or during the certificate's validity period.

*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.*

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 20, 2026.