An alcohol-related event doesn't automatically end your aviation career — but it triggers specific FAA obligations. Understanding what the FAA looks for and building a complete record is essential.
About This Page. This educational summary covers the FAA AME Guide update of September 30, 2026 and the federal aviation regulations. Dr. Scott is an Aviation Medical Examiner, not an attorney. Chester Medical does not provide legal advice. This page is not a determination of your medical eligibility or individual clearance to fly. Official FAA guidance and the regulations control. Requirements can change; verify them with your AME and the FAA AME Guide.
Two Separate Reporting Obligations
FAA Security — 14 CFR § 61.15: Part 61 certificate holders must report each qualifying alcohol- or drug-related motor vehicle action in writing within 60 calendar days. This includes convictions and related license suspensions, revocations, cancellations or denials. A suspension and a later conviction from the same incident require separate reports.
FAA Medical — Notification and MedXPress: The FAA Guide states that airmen should notify FAA Medical as soon as possible after a new arrest, conviction, or administrative action. Disclose all DUI/DWI arrests, convictions and administrative actions on every medical application, including events reported previously. An arrest alone does not trigger the FAA Security motor vehicle action report, but it must still be disclosed medically.
Reporting through one channel does not satisfy the other.
September 30, 2026 FAA Guide pathways—not a guarantee of issuance. The AME must review the full history and applicable criteria; other medical conditions may also affect the decision.
Previously reported event(s), written FAA clearance stating no monitoring is required, and no new events or status changes
Single lifetime event, BAC/BrAC 0.149 or below, every Status Report answer in the clear column, and all required records reviewed and uploaded
New or uncleared single lifetime event with BAC 0.15 or higher, an unknown BAC, or a refused test, subject to the table’s previously cleared-history and unavailable-records provisions (see the Substance Use Disorder pathway below for BAC 0.20 or higher)
Two or more lifetime events, any BAC 0.20 or higher, or a history of substance abuse, dependence or substance use disorder
Single event 10 or more years ago, BAC or court records officially verified unavailable, and no AME concerns: consult an AMCD Drug & Alcohol staff physician within 14 days of the exam, or defer
If a prior FAA clearance letter is unavailable, the AME should contact AMCD or the Regional Flight Surgeon for verification.
The FAA updated its alcohol-event review requirements and forms. Older events still require review; keeping records only in the AME office is not sufficient.
The FAA clarified the pathways for previously cleared events, single lifetime events, higher BAC levels and repeat events.
The AME completes and signs the report after reviewing your history and records. Any response in the shaded column requires deferral under the report's instructions.
Use the FAA form, complete the applicable answers, type your statement and sign it. The AME uploads it into your FAA file.
A separate disposition table addresses substance use disorders, abuse and dependence. Two or more lifetime events or any BAC of 0.20 or higher direct the AME to this pathway.
The single-event pathway is no longer divided at five years. An old event is not exempt from review. A narrow consultation option exists for events at least ten years old with specified records officially unavailable.
For events not previously cleared in formal FAA correspondence, the AME must review and upload the required supporting records and Status Report with the exam before transmission—not just retain them in the office.
For events not previously cleared by formal FAA correspondence. Upload the required records before your appointment so the AME can review them and submit them to the FAA. If you have prior written FAA clearance, upload that letter too. Uploading to the clinic does not itself satisfy FAA reporting or submission requirements.
You are responsible for collecting your records, completing required FAA notifications, and collecting and mailing documentation requested directly from you by the FAA unless Dr. Scott specifically instructs otherwise. This is separate from the AME’s required examination uploads.
Unavailable records: Obtain written confirmation from the arresting agency or court—not simply a statement that you could not find them. The AME must contact AMCD or defer when required records are unavailable.
14-day limit: If the AME cannot obtain and review required reports within 14 days of the exam, the exam must be deferred. For a single event at least 10 years old with BAC or court records verified unavailable and no AME concerns, the AME must discuss the case with an AMCD Drug & Alcohol staff physician within that period or defer.
Under 14 CFR § 61.53, for operations requiring a medical certificate, you may not act as pilot in command or as a required pilot flight crewmember while you know, or have reason to know, of a medical condition that would prevent you from meeting the medical requirements for that operation. This also applies to medication or treatment that prevents you from meeting those requirements.
An unexpired medical certificate does not override this rule. It applies immediately—not just at your next exam. The 60-day reporting window is not permission to keep flying.
The medical standards in 14 CFR §§ 67.107, 67.207 and 67.307 address disqualifying substance abuse and dependence, with specific regulatory definitions and recovery provisions. For a new or uncleared single lifetime event with BAC of 0.15 or higher, unknown BAC, or test refusal, the disposition is DEFER for FAA review, subject to the table’s previously cleared-history and unavailable-records provisions. A BAC value alone is not a diagnosis.
If you are on an alcohol- or drug-related Special Issuance and have a new substance-related event, do not fly; contact your HIMS AME immediately and obtain FAA review before returning to flight, consistent with your authorization and § 61.53.
Chester Medical safety guidance: If you have had an alcohol-related event—especially with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, an unknown BAC or a refused test—contact Dr. Scott before you fly. This page does not provide individual clearance to fly.
Failing to file the 61.15 notification within 60 days — and assuming MedXPress disclosure covered it
Missing court or DMV documents, or submitting incomplete versions
Using an informal narrative instead of completing the new typed and signed FAA DUI/DWI Personal Statement
Assuming an event older than five years does not require review, or that records can stay only in the AME office
Undisclosed prior events that appear in records later during FAA review
Assuming that 'reduced' or 'dismissed' charges eliminate reporting or disclosure obligations
What sets our practice apart for DUI & alcohol-related certification cases.
HIMS Senior AME
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Active corporate jet pilot (ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI) — understands aviation from the cockpit, not just the exam room.
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