FAA pauses new medical certification policy amid concerns from aviation groups VAI applauds agency’s decision. The FAA announced it would postpone implementation of a new policy that would classify medical certification applications with incomplete paperwork as denied, rather than deferred, as was the previous practice. Originally scheduled to start Jan. 1, 2025, the policy will now take effect Mar. 1, 2025. The FAA’s decision came after Vertical Aviation International (VAI), along with other 13 other aviation associations and unions, voiced strong concerns in a Dec. 13 letter, The policy change would have severe implications for pilots, who could be required to report these denials on future medical applications and employment forms. Placing medical certification applications that require additional information into the same category as applications denied on medical grounds is misleading, especially as hiring managers may not be aware of this policy change. Many VAI members are commercial pilots, and the unintended consequences of this policy could endanger their livelihoods. VAI commends the FAA for its responsiveness and willingness to engage with the aviation community over its concerns. The agency plans to hold a listening session with various aviation associations in January 2025 and intends to provide pilots with more information about the change as well. VAI will continue to follow the issue, advocating for its members and a fair process for evaluating their fitness to fly.
