Definition
The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that authorizes the FAA to issue a Special Issuance medical certificate to an applicant who does not meet the standard medical requirements of 14 CFR part 67, provided the applicant demonstrates, through tests or evaluations the FAA prescribes, that the condition does not endanger flight safety. The certificate is time-limited and conditional, requiring ongoing medical monitoring.
Plain English
This is the rule that lets the FAA give a medical certificate to a pilot who has a disqualifying medical condition, as long as that pilot can show the condition is being managed and is safe for flying. The certificate usually has an expiration date and conditions attached.
Context Anchor
Seen when learning how pilots can obtain or keep a medical certificate when a health condition does not fit the usual medical rules.
Derivation
14 CFR means Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which is the section of U.S. federal law covering aeronautics and space. Part 67 covers medical standards and certification. Section 67.401 is the specific paragraph dealing with Special Issuances. Knowing the structure helps a pilot find the rule quickly: Title 14, Part 67, paragraph 401.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots with medical conditions that would otherwise prevent certification may still fly legally by obtaining a special issuance under this section, often with required follow-up evaluations.
Analogy
Think of this citation like an address in the rulebook: Title 14 is the broad aviation rule area, part 67 is the medical certification area, and section 67.401 is the specific rule about special medical approval.
Intuition Check
Do not read “part” and “section” as casual page labels. In this context, they point to exact legal divisions in the federal aviation rules.
Example Sentence 1
After his cardiac event, the pilot worked with his AME to apply for a Special Issuance under 14 CFR part 67, section 67.401.
Example Sentence 2
The flight instructor explained that many pilots successfully continue flying by meeting the requirements of 14 CFR part 67, section 67.401.