Brain abscess, encephalitis or meningitis
What the FAA's documents say about brain abscess, encephalitis or meningitis, in plain words, with the FAA's own words one press away.
FAA term: Brain Abscess, Encephalitis, MeningitisCovers: All classes
Show the FAA's words: which classes the FAA's table covers
BRAIN ABSCESS All Classes … ENCEPHALITIS All Classes … MENINGITIS All Classes
- Each of the three tables says that if associated with a seizure, refer to that section (the meningitis table names the Seizure section), and that a recovery period may apply. Crosscheck has a page on seizures and epilepsy, written from the FAA's Seizure and Epilepsy tables.
Short version
The FAA's document holds three tables.
| Situation | What the examiner does | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Brain abscess, Row ABrain abscess: any history, current or ever | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
| Encephalitis, Row AEncephalitis: a single episode | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
| Encephalitis, Row BEncephalitis: 2 or more episodes, immunocompromised, or seizure | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
| Meningitis, Row AMeningitis: single episode, no hospitalization or 5 or more years ago | Examiner issues | Examiner can issue |
| Meningitis, Row BMeningitis: single episode, hospitalized less than 5 years ago | Examiner issues | Examiner can issue |
| Meningitis, Row CMeningitis: more than one episode, complications, or not resolved | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
Show the FAA's words: the FAA's table for Brain abscess, encephalitis or meningitis
- Brain abscess, Row A · Special Issuance
A brain abscess, any history, current or ever in the pilot's lifetime. The row is labelled All classes. After an appropriate recovery period, the table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance. Its note says applicants with prior brain abscess should have a minimum of 6 months observation following completion of treatment; if residual cortical lesion(s) are seen on MRI, a longer recovery period may be required; and if surgery was performed (penetrating the dura), a minimum two (2)-year recovery period will apply.
A. All classes Any history (current or ever in their lifetime) After appropriate recovery period* Submit the following for FAA review … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance. … *Note: Applicants with prior brain abscess should have a minimum of 6 months observation following completion of treatment. If residual cortical lesion(s) are seen on MRI, a longer recovery period may be required. If surgery was performed (penetrating the dura), a minimum two (2)-year recovery period will apply.
- Encephalitis, Row A · Special Issuance
Encephalitis, a current or historical diagnosis, single episode. The table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
ENCEPHALITIS All Classes … A. Current or historical diagnosis Single episode Submit the following for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Encephalitis, Row B · Special Issuance
Encephalitis, a current or historical diagnosis with 2 or more lifetime episodes, immunocompromised, or seizure activity. The table asks for all information required in Row A, plus an EEG if a history of seizures, and says additional information may be required after review. The examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
B. Current or historical diagnosis with 2 or more lifetime episodes, Immunocompromised, or seizure activity All information required in Row A PLUS • EEG is required if a history of seizures. • Additional information may be required after review of above information. DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Meningitis, Row A · Examiner can issue
Meningitis, a single episode, with no complications, fully resolved and recovered, and no hospitalization, or hospitalized 5 or more years ago. The row's note says that if associated with a seizure or more than one episode, go to Row C. If the examiner can determine the condition has resolved with no complications and the pilot has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE, and the examiner annotates this information in Block 60, including the approximate date of the single episode. If within the past one year, the table says the pilot should provide the examiner with the most recent detailed clinical progress note from the treating physician describing the clinical course and resolution without complications.
MENINGITIS All Classes … A. Single episode No complications, fully resolved and recovered AND No hospitalization OR Hospitalized 5 or more years ago If the AME can determine the condition has resolved with no complications and the pilot has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties: If within the past one year, the pilot should provide the AME with the most recent detailed, Clinical Progress Note from the treating physician describing the clinical course and resolution without complications. Note: If associated with a seizure or more than one episode, go to Row C. ISSUE Annotate this information in Block 60 including approximate date of single episode
- Meningitis, Row B · Examiner can issue
Meningitis, a single episode requiring hospitalization less than 5 years ago. The row's note sends lesions or scarring on the brain on the MRI or CT report, concern for cognitive impairment on clinical exam, or any history of seizure to Row C. The table lists what to submit for AME and FAA review. If the examiner can determine the condition has resolved with no residual symptoms, the MRI and the EEG (if performed) are negative, and the pilot has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE, and the examiner annotates Block 60 and submits the evaluation to the FAA for retention in the pilot's file.
B. Single episode requiring hospitalization less than 5 years ago Submit the following for AME and FAA review: … If the AME can determine the condition has resolved with no residual symptoms, MRI, and EEG (if performed) are negative, and the pilot has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties. ISSUE Annotate Block 60 and submit the evaluation to the FAA for retention in the pilot’s file
- Meningitis, Row C · Special Issuance
Meningitis, more than one episode (ever), or complications such as meningoencephalitis, cortical involvement (stroke) or seizure, or abnormal MRI or EEG findings, or not fully resolved or recovered. The table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
C. More than one episode (ever) OR Complications such as meningoencephalitis, cortical involvement (stroke), seizure OR Abnormal MRI or EEG findings OR Not fully resolved or recovered Submit the following for FAA review … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance
The FAA pathways for brain abscess, encephalitis or meningitis
Which one describes yours?
The FAA's table sorts it these ways. Choose yours to see its plan.
Your step-by-step plan
Step 1: Brain abscess: the two evaluations
Neurology and neuropsychology, each within 90 days of the exam, after the recovery period.Neurological evaluation
Within 90 days before the examA current, detailed neurological evaluation, in accordance with the FAA Specifications for Neurologic evaluation, from a clinic visit with your treating neurologist no more than 90 days before the exam.
Neuropsychological (NP) evaluation
Within 90 days before the examA neuropsychological (NP) evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neuropsychological Evaluations for Potential Neurocognitive Impairment, from a clinic visit with your treating neuropsychologist no more than 90 days before the exam.
Show the FAA's words: Brain abscess: the two evaluations
1. A current, detailed neurological evaluation, in accordance with the FAA Specifications for Neurologic evaluation, generated from a clinic visit with the treating neurologist no more than 90 days before the AME exam.
FAA source: Brain Abscess, Encephalitis, Meningitis. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
2. A Neuropsychological (NP) evaluation that meets FAA Specifications for Neuropsychological Evaluations for Potential Neurocognitive Impairment from a clinic visit with the treating neuropsychologist no more than 90 days before the AME exam.
FAA source: Brain Abscess, Encephalitis, Meningitis. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
After appropriate recovery period*
*Note: Applicants with prior brain abscess should have a minimum of 6 months observation following completion of treatment. If residual cortical lesion(s) are seen on MRI, a longer recovery period may be required. If surgery was performed (penetrating the dura), a minimum two (2)-year recovery period will apply. If associated with a seizure, refer to that section, as a longer recovery period may then apply.
FAA source: Brain Abscess, Encephalitis, Meningitis. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 2: Brain abscess: imaging, EEG and other testing
The most recent brain imaging and EEG, or current ones if not already performed.MRI and/or CT of the brain
The most recent MRI and/or CT imaging of the brain. If not already performed, a current brain MRI is required.
How it is sent
- BOTH the interpretive report on paper and the imaging on CD in DICOM readable format, with a file named 'DICOMDIR' in the root directory of the CD-ROM
- Check the CD displays the images before sending
- Keep a copy of all films as a safeguard if lost in the mail
EEG
The most recent electroencephalogram (EEG). If not already performed, a current EEG is required.
The EEG
- Sleep-deprived: awake, asleep, and with provocation, for example hyperventilation or photic/strobe light
- Any previous EEGs available for comparison
- BOTH the final interpretive reports and the actual tracings, ALL pages, on CD
- The CDs have proprietary opening software compatible with Windows 10
Other testing
Other testing deemed clinically necessary by your treating physician.
Show the FAA's words: Brain abscess: imaging, EEG and other testing
3. The most recent MRI and/or CT imaging of the brain. (If not already performed, a current brain MRI is required.) • Submit BOTH the interpretive report on paper and imaging on CD in DICOM readable format (there must be a file named 'DICOMDIR' in the root directory of the CD-ROM). Please verify the CD will display the images before sending. Retain a copy of all films as a safeguard if lost in the mail.
FAA source: Brain Abscess, Encephalitis, Meningitis. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
4. The most recent electroencephalogram (EEG). • (If not already performed, a current EEG is required.) • The EEG recording should be sleep-deprived: awake, asleep, and with provocation (e.g., hyperventilation, photic/strobe light). • Include any previous EEG(s) available for comparison. • Submit BOTH the final interpretive report(s) and the actual tracings (ALL pages) for any EEGs on CD.
• The CDs of EEG recordings must have proprietary opening software that is compatible with Windows 10.
FAA source: Brain Abscess, Encephalitis, Meningitis. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
5. Other testing deemed clinically necessary by the treating physician.
FAA source: Brain Abscess, Encephalitis, Meningitis. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 3: See your AME
After an appropriate recovery period, the table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance. Its note says applicants with prior brain abscess should have a minimum of 6 months observation following completion of treatment; if residual cortical lesion(s) are seen on MRI, a longer recovery period may be required; and if surgery was performed (penetrating the dura), a minimum two (2)-year recovery period will apply.Exam day- After an appropriate recovery period, the table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance. Its note says applicants with prior brain abscess should have a minimum of 6 months observation following completion of treatment; if residual cortical lesion(s) are seen on MRI, a longer recovery period may be required; and if surgery was performed (penetrating the dura), a minimum two (2)-year recovery period will apply.
Show the FAA's words: See your AME
A. All classes Any history (current or ever in their lifetime) After appropriate recovery period* Submit the following for FAA review
DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
*Note: Applicants with prior brain abscess should have a minimum of 6 months observation following completion of treatment. If residual cortical lesion(s) are seen on MRI, a longer recovery period may be required. If surgery was performed (penetrating the dura), a minimum two (2)-year recovery period will apply.
FAA source: Brain Abscess, Encephalitis, Meningitis. FAA date 25 January 2023; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
What the examiner checks
It depends on which row of the FAA's table describes the case.
Brain abscess, Row ADefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
After an appropriate recovery period, the table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance. Its note says applicants with prior brain abscess should have a minimum of 6 months observation following completion of treatment; if residual cortical lesion(s) are seen on MRI, a longer recovery period may be required; and if surgery was performed (penetrating the dura), a minimum two (2)-year recovery period will apply.
If the examiner defersEncephalitis, Row ADefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
The table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
If the examiner defersEncephalitis, Row BDefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
The table asks for all information required in Row A, plus an EEG if a history of seizures, and says additional information may be required after review. The examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
If the examiner defersMeningitis, Row AExaminer issuesExaminer can issue
If the examiner can determine the condition has resolved with no complications and the pilot has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE, and the examiner annotates this information in Block 60, including the approximate date of the single episode. If within the past one year, the table says the pilot should provide the examiner with the most recent detailed clinical progress note from the treating physician describing the clinical course and resolution without complications.
Meningitis, Row BExaminer issuesExaminer can issue
The table lists what to submit for AME and FAA review. If the examiner can determine the condition has resolved with no residual symptoms, the MRI and the EEG (if performed) are negative, and the pilot has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE, and the examiner annotates Block 60 and submits the evaluation to the FAA for retention in the pilot's file.
Meningitis, Row CDefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
The table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
If the examiner defers
Show the FAA's words: what the examiner does on each row
- Brain abscess, Row A · Special Issuance
A brain abscess, any history, current or ever in the pilot's lifetime. The row is labelled All classes. After an appropriate recovery period, the table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance. Its note says applicants with prior brain abscess should have a minimum of 6 months observation following completion of treatment; if residual cortical lesion(s) are seen on MRI, a longer recovery period may be required; and if surgery was performed (penetrating the dura), a minimum two (2)-year recovery period will apply.
A. All classes Any history (current or ever in their lifetime) After appropriate recovery period* Submit the following for FAA review … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance. … *Note: Applicants with prior brain abscess should have a minimum of 6 months observation following completion of treatment. If residual cortical lesion(s) are seen on MRI, a longer recovery period may be required. If surgery was performed (penetrating the dura), a minimum two (2)-year recovery period will apply.
- Encephalitis, Row A · Special Issuance
Encephalitis, a current or historical diagnosis, single episode. The table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
ENCEPHALITIS All Classes … A. Current or historical diagnosis Single episode Submit the following for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Encephalitis, Row B · Special Issuance
Encephalitis, a current or historical diagnosis with 2 or more lifetime episodes, immunocompromised, or seizure activity. The table asks for all information required in Row A, plus an EEG if a history of seizures, and says additional information may be required after review. The examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
B. Current or historical diagnosis with 2 or more lifetime episodes, Immunocompromised, or seizure activity All information required in Row A PLUS • EEG is required if a history of seizures. • Additional information may be required after review of above information. DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Meningitis, Row A · Examiner can issue
Meningitis, a single episode, with no complications, fully resolved and recovered, and no hospitalization, or hospitalized 5 or more years ago. The row's note says that if associated with a seizure or more than one episode, go to Row C. If the examiner can determine the condition has resolved with no complications and the pilot has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE, and the examiner annotates this information in Block 60, including the approximate date of the single episode. If within the past one year, the table says the pilot should provide the examiner with the most recent detailed clinical progress note from the treating physician describing the clinical course and resolution without complications.
MENINGITIS All Classes … A. Single episode No complications, fully resolved and recovered AND No hospitalization OR Hospitalized 5 or more years ago If the AME can determine the condition has resolved with no complications and the pilot has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties: If within the past one year, the pilot should provide the AME with the most recent detailed, Clinical Progress Note from the treating physician describing the clinical course and resolution without complications. Note: If associated with a seizure or more than one episode, go to Row C. ISSUE Annotate this information in Block 60 including approximate date of single episode
- Meningitis, Row B · Examiner can issue
Meningitis, a single episode requiring hospitalization less than 5 years ago. The row's note sends lesions or scarring on the brain on the MRI or CT report, concern for cognitive impairment on clinical exam, or any history of seizure to Row C. The table lists what to submit for AME and FAA review. If the examiner can determine the condition has resolved with no residual symptoms, the MRI and the EEG (if performed) are negative, and the pilot has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE, and the examiner annotates Block 60 and submits the evaluation to the FAA for retention in the pilot's file.
B. Single episode requiring hospitalization less than 5 years ago Submit the following for AME and FAA review: … If the AME can determine the condition has resolved with no residual symptoms, MRI, and EEG (if performed) are negative, and the pilot has no symptoms that would interfere with flight duties. ISSUE Annotate Block 60 and submit the evaluation to the FAA for retention in the pilot’s file
- Meningitis, Row C · Special Issuance
Meningitis, more than one episode (ever), or complications such as meningoencephalitis, cortical involvement (stroke) or seizure, or abnormal MRI or EEG findings, or not fully resolved or recovered. The table lists what to submit for FAA review, and the examiner defers and submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
C. More than one episode (ever) OR Complications such as meningoencephalitis, cortical involvement (stroke), seizure OR Abnormal MRI or EEG findings OR Not fully resolved or recovered Submit the following for FAA review … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance
If the examiner defersSpecial Issuance
The brain abscess table marks its row, any history, DEFER.
The encephalitis table marks Row A, a single episode, DEFER.
The encephalitis table marks Row B, 2 or more lifetime episodes, immunocompromised, or seizure activity, DEFER.
The meningitis table marks Row C, more than one episode, complications, abnormal MRI or EEG findings, or not fully resolved or recovered, DEFER.
Meningitis Row A's note says that if associated with a seizure or more than one episode, go to Row C, which is marked DEFER.
Meningitis Row B's note sends lesions or scarring on the brain, concern for cognitive impairment on clinical exam, or any history of seizure to Row C, which is marked DEFER.
Show the FAA's words: if the examiner defers
When the examiner defers
- Reason 1
The brain abscess table marks its row, any history, DEFER.
A. All classes Any history (current or ever in their lifetime) … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Reason 2
The encephalitis table marks Row A, a single episode, DEFER.
A. Current or historical diagnosis Single episode … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Reason 3
The encephalitis table marks Row B, 2 or more lifetime episodes, immunocompromised, or seizure activity, DEFER.
B. Current or historical diagnosis with 2 or more lifetime episodes, Immunocompromised, or seizure activity … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
- Reason 4
The meningitis table marks Row C, more than one episode, complications, abnormal MRI or EEG findings, or not fully resolved or recovered, DEFER.
C. More than one episode (ever) OR Complications such as meningoencephalitis, cortical involvement (stroke), seizure OR Abnormal MRI or EEG findings OR Not fully resolved or recovered … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance
- Reason 5
Meningitis Row A's note says that if associated with a seizure or more than one episode, go to Row C, which is marked DEFER.
Note: If associated with a seizure or more than one episode, go to Row C.
- Reason 6
Meningitis Row B's note sends lesions or scarring on the brain, concern for cognitive impairment on clinical exam, or any history of seizure to Row C, which is marked DEFER.
Note: If the MRI or CT report verifies lesions or scarring on the brain; or the neurologic evaluation determines there is … concern for cognitive impairment on clinical exam; or any history of seizure (a recovery period may apply), go to Row C.
What a Special Issuance is
The Guide says an Authorization for Special Issuance, valid for a specified period, may be granted at the Federal Air Surgeon's discretion to a person who does not meet the established medical standards, if the person shows to the satisfaction of the Federal Air Surgeon that the duties authorized by the class of certificate applied for can be performed without endangering public safety during the period the Authorization would be in force.
How the FAA pathways workGood to know
Points from the FAA's own documents that are easy to miss.
What a progress note must include
In most cases it should come from a visit with the treating physician no more than 90 days ago, and cover the history, medications with dosages and side effects, exam findings, test results, diagnosis, assessment and plan, prognosis and follow-up. The FAA's sheet says to make sure the physician adds the prognosis. A portal note or an After Visit Summary that does not meet these criteria is not enough, and neither is a simple "ok to fly" letter. The FAA's documents also call it a status report.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 1
your patient portal to print out “notes” or an “After Visit Summary (AVS).” … Patient Portal notes or an AVS that do not meet the criteria listed below for a detailed Clinical Progress Note are NOT sufficient for FAA purposes. … To be “current,” in MOST CASES, the detailed Clinical Progress Note should be from an evaluation in which you saw your treating physician no more than 90 days ago. … It Must include the following items: … A summary of the history of the condition, … Current medications, dosages, and side effects (if any); … Clinical exam findings; … Results of any testing performed; … Diagnosis; … Assessment and Plan; … Prognosis (This item may not be on a standard progress note, make sure your physician adds this information.); and … Follow-up … Please note: A letter stating, “Mr. Smith is ok to fly” (or any other simple note), is NOT a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note and is NOT acceptable. … You may also see this called a “current status report” or “status report” in current FAA Guidance. Any reference to a “status report” equals the criteria listed on this sheet.
A list the meningitis table names but does not print
Meningitis Row C's second item says to remember to also submit all items listed under "Prior Testing, Treatment, Or Other Records." No list with that heading appears in this document, and this page lists nothing under it.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 2
2. Remember to also submit all items listed under "Prior Testing, Treatment, Or Other Records.”
Meningitis Row B's note names a neurologic evaluation
Meningitis Row B's note sends a case to Row C where the neurologic evaluation determines there is concern for cognitive impairment on clinical exam. Row B's own list asks for the most recent progress note from the treating physician or neurologist and names no neurological evaluation. Both are shown as printed.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 3
1. The most recent detailed, Clinical Progress Note performed from the treating physician or neurologist. … or the neurologic evaluation determines there is … concern for cognitive impairment on clinical exam;
Meningitis Row B's MRI and EEG
Meningitis Row B asks for the MRI and/or CT brain imaging report and the EEG report, each if already performed. Its ISSUE line reads MRI, and EEG (if performed) are negative. Both are shown as printed.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 4
4. MRI and/or CT brain imaging report (if already performed). 5. EEG - electroencephalogram report (if already performed). … If the AME can determine the condition has resolved with no residual symptoms, MRI, and EEG (if performed) are negative
Recovery periods after a brain abscess
The brain abscess note says a minimum of 6 months observation following completion of treatment; that a longer recovery period may be required if residual cortical lesion(s) are seen on MRI; and a minimum two (2)-year recovery period if surgery was performed (penetrating the dura).
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 5
*Note: Applicants with prior brain abscess should have a minimum of 6 months observation following completion of treatment. If residual cortical lesion(s) are seen on MRI, a longer recovery period may be required. If surgery was performed (penetrating the dura), a minimum two (2)-year recovery period will apply.
EEG tracings go on CD
The brain abscess list, the encephalitis list and Meningitis Row C's list each ask for BOTH the final interpretive report(s) and the actual tracings (ALL pages) for any EEGs on CD, and say the CDs of EEG recordings must have proprietary opening software compatible with Windows 10. Meningitis Row B asks for the EEG report, if already performed.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 6
Submit BOTH the final interpretive report(s) and the actual tracings (ALL pages) for any EEGs on CD. … The CDs of EEG recordings must have proprietary opening software that is compatible with Windows 10.
A seizure sends the case to another section
Each table says that if associated with a seizure, refer to that section (the meningitis table names the Seizure section), and that a recovery period may apply.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 7
If associated with a seizure, refer to that section, as a longer recovery period may then apply. … Seizure - if associated with a seizure, refer to that section. A recovery period may apply. … Seizure: If associated with a seizure, refer to the Seizure section. A recovery period may apply.
FAA sources
Every FAA document this page relies on, with the FAA's own date and the date Crosscheck last read it. The documents to print open at the FAA, so they are always the FAA's current ones.
This reports what the FAA has published. It is not medical advice, and it does not say how the FAA or an examiner will decide a case.