In a new Pilot Minute video, FAA Air Surgeon Susan Northrup addresses common misconceptions about pilot mental health. Emphasizing education and early intervention, she explains how many pilots fly safely with treated conditions and encourages aviators to seek help early in their careers.
Medical
BasicMed at Last: What It Took
After a seven-year ordeal, pilot Scott Savell finally is able to fly under BasicMed, but it took getting special attention for that to happen.
FAA shortens anti-depressant wait times
The FAA recently updated several medical policies, including those related to antidepressants, diabetes, migraines, and vaccines.
Medical updates reduce no-fly limits for eye surgeries, some medications
One of the most notable changes is a reduction in the required observation period for cataract surgery, according to officials with the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). Previously, pilots had to wait up to two years before medical recertification was allowed, but under the new rules, this wait time has been reduced to just three months.
Canada urged to accept BasicMed
More than 90,000 pilots have qualified to fly under BasicMed privileges since the program’s inception in 2017, according to AOPA officials.
Pilot Minute: New tips to speed up medical certification
In a June 2025 video posted in the FAA’s “Pilot Minute” series, Federal Air Surgeon Susan Northrup discusses new tips pilots can use to speed up the process of their medical certification.
According to the FAA, I should be in a nursing home
I’ve spent thousands of dollars out of pocket. I’ve met every demand the FAA has made and still they keep moving the goalposts. At this point, it feels less like a medical process and more like a war of attrition. The FAA, it seems, is simply hoping I’ll give up.
MedXpress upgraded
Upgrades have been made to the FAA’s MedXpress website to assist pilots in preparing for their next visit with an aviation medical examiner (AME).
The #2 reason people quit flight training
The #2 reason people quit flight training might be a surprise to most people.