For pilots or aircrewmens whose medical certificate will expire between March 31 and June 30, 2020, the FAA has announced that it is waiving enforcement actions if they are unable to obtain a new certificate in a timely manner due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Helicopter Association International (HAI) still recommends affected personnel do not delay in obtaining a current medical certificate. “I note that the document was signed by Legal, not Flight Standards,” commented President and CEO James Viola. “It’s also possible that insurance companies may not acknowledge this document as binding.”

FAA Docket No. FAA-2020-0312 provides the requirements for and duration of the waiver for medical certificates issued under 14 CFR Part 67.

In posting the new policy, the agency released this summary: “Due to extraordinary circumstances related to the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, until June 30, 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will not take legal enforcement action against any person serving as a required pilot flight crewmember or flight engineer based on noncompliance with medical certificate duration standards when expiration of the required medical certificate occurs from March 31, 2020, through June 30, 2020.”

HAI further suggests contacting the operator’s insurance company if crewmembers intend to operate with an expired certificate. HAI is seeking further clarification on this FAA policy change and will provide additional guidance when it is available. In the meantime, HAI members should contact [email protected] with questions about this and other regulatory challenges.