FAA Unveils New Tool to Help Pilots Make Decisions About Medications

The FAA has released a resource designed to help pilots and air traffic controllers make decisions about medications.

MedGuide is an online, interactive reference that enables users to search medical conditions, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications to determine whether a medication is acceptable for safety-related duties and whether a waiting period applies.

“This tool, while still a work in progress, equips aviators to make safe, fit-for-flight decisions about medication use,” said Mark Larsen, National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) director of safety and flight operations. “Pilots are accustomed to clear, if-then directions, and MedGuide offers a more direct way to understand both prescription and over-the-counter medications, including any wait time after an initial or subsequent dose.”

The new guide responds to a longstanding information gap identified by the FAA’s Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee in its 2024 report. That gap can create uncertainty for aviators trying to “preflight” their medical status before applying for or renewing a medical certificate or preparing to fly.

The Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2026, which recently passed the Senate and is pending in the House, also calls for the agency to provide more transparent information regarding medication use, according to NBAA officials.

“NBAA appreciates the FAA’s ongoing efforts to share transparent medical information with pilots. MedGuide is a big step in the right direction, and the agency is well positioned relative to the proposed legislative requirements,” said Larsen. “NBAA will continue collaborating with the FAA and advocating for clear guidance paired with reasonable policies and practical timelines.”

MedGuide currently includes only some allowed medications. The FAA will expand it over the next several months to include more medical conditions, along with conditionally acceptable and unacceptable medications.

Pilots should consider MedGuide an FAA medical certification resource and not a substitute for obtaining professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from their healthcare professionals when needed, NBAA officials cautioned.

For more information: NBAA.org, FAA.gov/ame_guide/MedGuide