Definition
A 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 Part 67, when the applicant's condition has been shown to not adversely affect safe operation of an aircraft. The certificate is issued for a limited duration and may include operational limitations or require periodic medical reports.
Plain English
This is the rule that lets the FAA give a medical certificate to a pilot who would normally fail the medical exam, as long as the FAA decides the pilot's health condition won't make flying unsafe. The certificate usually has a time limit and may come with conditions.
Context Anchor
Seen when reading about medical certificates, medical disqualifications, special issuance, and how a pilot may still qualify after an FAA medical review.
Derivation
CFR' stands for Code of Federal Regulations, the published collection of US federal rules. 'Part 67' is the chapter of the FAA's regulations that covers medical standards and certification for airmen. Section 67.401 is the specific provision within that chapter dealing with special issuance authorizations.
Why Pilots Care
It determines whether a pilot with a disqualifying condition can still obtain clearance to fly after providing supporting medical evidence.
Intuition Check
Do not read this citation as an automatic medical waiver. It is the rule that gives the FAA authority to consider a special approval, not a guarantee that approval will be granted.
Example Sentence 1
After his cardiac procedure, the pilot's AME explained that he could likely return to flying through a Special Issuance under 14 CFR part 67 section 67.401, provided he submitted the required medical reports.
Example Sentence 2
A pilot reviewing 14 CFR part 67 section 67.401 learned what documentation the FAA requires for conditions outside standard limits.