Discretionary issuance

This regulation provides a pathway for pilots who don't meet the standard medical requirements for a second-class medical certificate. If you fail to meet any of the specific medical standards listed in sections 67.303 through 67.313 (covering vision, ear/nose/throat, mental health, neurological conditions, cardiovascular health, and general medical conditions), you're not automatically disqualified.

Instead, you can apply for discretionary issuance under section 67.401, which allows the FAA to grant a medical certificate despite the deficiency. This typically involves providing additional medical documentation, undergoing special testing, or accepting operational limitations. The FAA evaluates whether you can safely perform pilot duties despite not meeting the standard criteria.

This matters because it means a medical deficiency isn't necessarily the end of your flying career—there's a formal process to demonstrate you can still fly safely, even if you don't meet every standard requirement.

*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.*