FAA Extends SFAR Medical Relief

June 25, 2020 – The FAA published an amendment to its COVID-19 relief Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) on Thursday afternoon that extends several provisions for relief from time-sensitive requirements.

Of particular relevance to the GA community, the FAA amended its original relief on medical certification to be significantly broader. Previously, all medical certificates expiring after March were extended to June 30. Under the amendment, all certificates expiring between March 31 and September 30 are given a blanket three-month extension beyond their original date of expiration. The FAA has previously noted that many AMEs are currently accepting airmen for exams, but this additional relief will give more flexibility in scheduling exams for pilots who have medicals expiring throughout the summer.

There is additional relief on certain training and checking requirements in the SFAR amendment. Unfortunately, the SFAR continues to not extend flight reviews for personal aviation, except in specific circumstances. EAA continues to evaluate options for creating alternatives to the traditional flight review during the pandemic, but thus far there is no new rule or policy.