The FAA has decided to extend changes to the airman medical certification process, which had previously been slated to take effect January 1 but were delayed until March 1 after aviation stakeholders raised concerns late last year. On January 1, the FAA’s new requirements for color vision testing did take effect. This week, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has expressed support for the FAA’s decision to once again delay proposed changes to the airman medical certification process.

Proposed changes to medical certification would have led to immediate denials of incomplete medical applications. AOPA, along with other aviation organizations, expressed concerns after the change was announced late last year about the potential negative consequences, including delays in professional pilots returning to work after a denied medical.

In response to these concerns, the FAA had, by mid-December 2024, delayed the changes. The agency now will hold a listening session with industry stakeholders on April 23. This decision allows for further input before any final changes are made to the medical certification process.

“We appreciate the FAA’s efforts to seek additional input from AOPA and others,” said AOPA president and CEO Darren Pleasance. “Our goal is to help pilots by working with the FAA to make the medical certification process more efficient while eliminating unnecessary burdens on applicants.” He also referenced AOPA’s ongoing efforts to modernize the FAA’s medical systems, which he described as “long overdue.”

Postponing the proposed changes marks a continued collaborative approach between the FAA and industry stakeholders, aiming for a more efficient and effective medical certification process.