Definition
A formal written decision issued by the FAA stating that a person, aircraft, part, or operation does not meet the requirements set out in the Federal Aviation Regulations and is therefore not approved or authorized for the activity, certificate, or rating in question.
Plain English
An official FAA letter or notice that says no. It tells the applicant that what they applied for has been turned down because they, or the thing they applied about, did not meet the rules.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA certification and medical certification paperwork, especially when an application cannot be approved as submitted.
Derivation
From Latin determinare, 'to set limits or decide,' and the prefix in- ('not') with eligible, from Latin eligere, 'to choose.' Together: a formal decision that someone or something is not chosen or qualified.
Why Pilots Care
It directly blocks legal flight privileges until the disqualifying issue is resolved or appealed.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as a casual opinion or a temporary misunderstanding. In this context, it is an official FAA decision that affects whether an aviation approval can be issued.
Example Sentence 1
After reviewing the medical history, the FAA issued a determination of ineligibility for the second-class medical certificate.
Example Sentence 2
Following the determination of ineligibility, the applicant submitted additional medical records to reopen the case.