What can stop you from getting a pilot's license?

Author: Dr. Leonor Breitenberg  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 15, 2025

What medical conditions does FAA consider disqualifying?
  • Angina pectoris.
  • Bipolar disease.
  • Cardiac valve replacement.
  • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant.
  • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications.

Are there any restrictions to becoming a pilot?

You must have a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time, be over the age of 23 and be able to pass a 1st Class Medical exam. You can receive your Commercial Pilot Certificate at 18, Restricted ATP at 21 and your ATP certificate at 23.

What disqualifies you from being a pilot?

These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.

What prevents you from getting a pilot's license?

Unfortunately, some medical or health issues may cause you to fail the extensive medical examinations required to become a pilot. This includes certain heart diseases, conditions such as epilepsy, poor hearing, bad vision, and even common allergies, as certain allergy medications can make you drowsy.

What disqualifies you from a FAA background check?

PERMANENT DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
  • Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage.
  • Sedition or conspiracy to commit sedition.
  • Treason or conspiracy to commit treason.
  • A federal crime of terrorism as defined in 18 U.S.C. ...
  • A crime involving a TSI (transportation security incident).

5 Things That Will Prevent/Disqualify You From Getting a Pilot License

How far back do pilot background checks go?

Airlines, most cruise lines, and other safety sensitive positions in the travel industry require you submit to an in-depth 10 year background check.

Who fails a background check?

There are many reasons why a candidate may “fail” a background check, such as criminal history, discrepancies in employment or education history information, an unsafe driving record, or a failed drug test.

What medical conditions disqualify you from a private pilot license?

What medical conditions does FAA consider disqualifying?
  • Angina pectoris.
  • Bipolar disease.
  • Cardiac valve replacement.
  • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant.
  • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications.

What medical conditions stop you from flying?

if you suffer from or have had:
  • angina or chest pain at rest.
  • an infectious disease (e.g. chickenpox, flu), including COVID-19.
  • decompression sickness after diving (sometimes called 'the bends')
  • increased pressure in the brain (due to bleeding, injury or infection)
  • infection of your ears or sinuses.
  • recent heart attack.

What is the hardest part of getting a pilots license?

Many pilots say the checkride is the hardest part of getting their license. The combination of oral questioning and practical flying under pressure can be overwhelming without thorough preparation.

What drugs disqualify you from being a pilot?

Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin. Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril. Anicholinergics, such as Levsin, Bnetyl, Transderm Scop. Sedating antihistamines, such as Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine, Zyrtec.

Can a felon be a pilot?

Can I get a pilot license (certificate) or other FAA certificate if I have a felony conviction? You can get a FAA certificate if you have a felony conviction, unless the conviction is for a drug or alcohol related offense. In that case, you cannot apply for a certificate for up to one year after your final conviction.

How many people fail becoming a pilot?

Many people have dreamt of becoming a pilot on some level, either private or commercial. However, according to the data collected by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), statistics show that the dropout rate for student pilots is close to 80%, which is relatively high.

How expensive is it to become a pilot?

It costs $116,995 to become a pilot when starting with no previous experience or $86,995 when starting with a private pilot certificate. Both prices include the flight training and certification necessary to become a commercial pilot with flight instructor certificates.

What would disqualify someone from being a pilot?

Due to this, there are a number of reasons that you can be disqualified from ever becoming a pilot. These include medical conditions or physical impairments, trouble with the law, and violation of FAA regulations.

Can you be a pilot if you wear glasses?

Can Commercial Pilots Wear Glasses? Yes, commercial and private pilots are allowed to wear glasses while on the job. To fly as a commercial or private pilot, you must first pass a medical exam given by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The exam includes a vision screening and other medical evaluations.

Who is not allowed to fly?

The air pressure while flying increases the risk of blood clots forming, which is not ideal. Heart complications: If you've suffered a heart attack, stroke, cardiac failure or chest pain while at rest, flying should wait. The lower oxygen levels, increased air pressure, high altitude and more could affect your health.

What blood pressure is too high to fly?

However, blood pressure readings of 180/100 mmHg or higher are generally considered too high for safe air travel. If your blood pressure reaches these levels, you should consult your healthcare provider before flying.

What health conditions can't fly?

This includes those with heart failure, recent heart attack or stroke, chest pain (angina) at rest, heart rate or rhythm disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe anemia, sickle cell anemia, acute mental disorders, epilepsy, and any serious or contagious diseases.

What disqualifies you from a FAA medical exam?

Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts; Psychosis; Substance abuse and dependence; Transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory medical explanation of cause.

Can the FAA see your medical records?

Within FAA , access to an individual's medical information is strictly on a need to know basis.

What prevents you from getting a private pilot license?

Private Pilots need a Class 3 Medical Certificate

The major concerns remain vision and hearing (but with more lenient standards), cardiovascular conditions, neurological disorders, mental health, substance-related disorders, certain medications, diabetes, and unexplained losses of consciousness.

What is a red flag in a background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.

What makes someone not pass a background check?

Inconsistent employment history

Inconsistencies in your employment history may disqualify you from passing a background check. Inconsistencies may include gaps in your employment history, inaccurate descriptions of duties and responsibilities, inaccurate employment lengths or false employer information.

What does a yellow flag mean on a background check?

A yellow flag may require follow up but does not necessarily mean the applicant will be rejected. Rule of thumb: should there be any doubt with an applicant, always flag.

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