Mental

This regulation sets the mental health standards for a third-class medical certificate (required for private and recreational pilots). You cannot hold this medical if you have a diagnosed history of:

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

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), positive drug tests, alcohol tests of 0.04 or higher, or refusing DOT-required testing.

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 exercise pilot privileges during the certificate's duration. The focus is on flight safety and your ability to perform pilot duties.

*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.*