Part 67 Series — Special Issuance, Deferrals & Staying Legal: Navigating the FAA Medical System

For many private pilots, the most stressful part of the FAA medical process isn’t the exam itself.

It’s the what if.

What if the AME defers my application?
What if I’ve had a past diagnosis?
What if I develop a new condition after my medical is issued?
What happens if the FAA wants more information?

If you fly small aircraft under a Third-Class medical, understanding how Part 67 works in practice is just as important as knowing the medical standards themselves.

In this final article of our five-part Part 67 series, we’re going to pull the curtain back on:

• What “deferral” really means

• How Special Issuance under §67.401 works

• The difference between holding a medical and being fit to fly

• How Part 67 connects with your responsibilities under Part 61

Because confidence in the medical system doesn’t come from hoping everything goes smoothly.

It comes from understanding how it works.

Let’s bring the whole picture together.