Delegation of authority

This regulation establishes the chain of authority for medical certification decisions. The FAA Administrator delegates most medical certificate authority to the Federal Air Surgeon, who can examine applicants, issue or deny medical certificates, and grant or withdraw special issuances.

The Federal Air Surgeon further delegates routine examination and certification authority to Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs)—the doctors pilots actually visit for their medical exams. However, FAA officials (Federal Air Surgeon, Aeromedical Certification Division Manager, or Regional Flight Surgeons) can reconsider any AME's decision within 60 days of issuance, or within 60 days after receiving additional medical information they've requested.

For pilots, this means your AME can issue your medical certificate on the spot, but it's not absolutely final for 60 days. The FAA retains authority to review the decision and can also require re-examination of any pilot to verify continued medical qualification.

*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.*