GI procedures (EGD, colonoscopy)
What the FAA's documents say about GI procedures (EGD, colonoscopy), in plain words, with the FAA's own words one press away.
FAA term: GI Procedures (EGD or Esophagogastroduodenoscopy; Colonoscopy or C-scope)
Short version
The disposition table has two rows.
| Situation | What the examiner does | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Row AUncomplicated, with or without biopsy | Examiner issues | Examiner can issue |
| Row BAll others, with unresolved complications | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
Show the FAA's words: the FAA's table for GI procedures (EGD, colonoscopy)
- Row A · Examiner can issue
An uncomplicated EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopy, upper endoscopy, upper GI) or colonoscopy (c-scope), with or without biopsy. If the AME can determine the condition has fully resolved without sequelae, with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE and has the examiner summarize the findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, the table says see that section.
A. Uncomplicated, with or without biopsy EGD esophagogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopy, upper endoscopy, upper GI or Colonoscopy (c-scope) … If the AME can determine the condition has fully resolved without sequelae with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties: ISSUE Summarize findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, see that section.
- Row B · Special Issuance
All others, with unresolved complications -- for example, complications such as infection, or reaction to anesthesia, that have not resolved. The table lists what to submit for FAA review. The examiner defers, submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance, and summarizes the findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, the table says see that section.
B. All others (unresolved complications) (e.g., complications such as infection, or reaction to anesthesia have not resolved.) … Submit the following for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance. Summarize findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, see that section.
- A note on the table, 1
Row B says that if there is bleeding or tearing of the GI tract, see the corresponding page. It does not name the page.
If bleeding or tearing of the GI tract, see corresponding page.
The FAA pathways for GI procedures (EGD, colonoscopy)
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: After an uncomplicated procedure
Row A: the recovery period, and what the AME determines.The AME determines whether the condition has fully resolved without sequelae, with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties.
The recovery period
- Based on anesthesia, for a routine procedure with no complications
- In most cases, 48 hours after a routine procedure and recovery
Show the FAA's words: After an uncomplicated procedure
If the AME can determine the condition has fully resolved without sequelae with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties: ISSUE
FAA source: GI Procedures Disposition Table. FAA date 30 September 2026; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
For a routine procedure with no complications, the recovery period is based on anesthesia. In most cases, 48 hours applies after a routine procedure and recovery.
FAA source: GI Procedures Disposition Table. FAA date 30 September 2026; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
ISSUE Summarize findings in Item 60.
FAA source: GI Procedures Disposition Table. FAA date 30 September 2026; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 2: See your AME
If the AME can determine the condition has fully resolved without sequelae, with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE and has the examiner summarize the findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, the table says see that section.Exam day- If the AME can determine the condition has fully resolved without sequelae, with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE and has the examiner summarize the findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, the table says see that section.
Show the FAA's words: See your AME
A. Uncomplicated, with or without biopsy EGD esophagogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopy, upper endoscopy, upper GI or Colonoscopy (c-scope)
If the AME can determine the condition has fully resolved without sequelae with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties: ISSUE Summarize findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, see that section.
FAA source: GI Procedures Disposition Table. FAA date 30 September 2026; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
What the examiner checks
It depends on which row of the FAA's table describes the case.
Row AExaminer issuesExaminer can issue
If the AME can determine the condition has fully resolved without sequelae, with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE and has the examiner summarize the findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, the table says see that section.
Row BDefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
The table lists what to submit for FAA review. The examiner defers, submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance, and summarizes the findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, the table says see that section.
If the examiner defers
Show the FAA's words: what the examiner does on each row
- Row A · Examiner can issue
An uncomplicated EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopy, upper endoscopy, upper GI) or colonoscopy (c-scope), with or without biopsy. If the AME can determine the condition has fully resolved without sequelae, with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties, the table says ISSUE and has the examiner summarize the findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, the table says see that section.
A. Uncomplicated, with or without biopsy EGD esophagogastroduodenoscopy, endoscopy, upper endoscopy, upper GI or Colonoscopy (c-scope) … If the AME can determine the condition has fully resolved without sequelae with no symptoms or current problems that would interfere with flight duties: ISSUE Summarize findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, see that section.
- Row B · Special Issuance
All others, with unresolved complications -- for example, complications such as infection, or reaction to anesthesia, that have not resolved. The table lists what to submit for FAA review. The examiner defers, submits the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance, and summarizes the findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, the table says see that section.
B. All others (unresolved complications) (e.g., complications such as infection, or reaction to anesthesia have not resolved.) … Submit the following for FAA review: … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance. Summarize findings in Item 60. If any underlying condition is found, see that section.
If the examiner defersSpecial Issuance
The table's row B is all others, with unresolved complications, and the table marks it DEFER.
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1. A current, detailed clinical progress note generated from a clinic visit with the treating physician or surgeon no more than 90 days before the exam, which the table says should include what it lists.
- Item 2. A current CBC (lab).
- Item 3. Results of any other testing already performed by the treating physician.
Show the FAA's words: if the examiner defers
When the examiner defers
- Reason 1
The table's row B is all others, with unresolved complications, and the table marks it DEFER.
B. All others (unresolved complications) … DEFER Submit the information to the FAA for a possible Special Issuance.
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1
A current, detailed clinical progress note generated from a clinic visit with the treating physician or surgeon no more than 90 days before the exam, which the table says should include what it lists.
1. A current, detailed Clinical Progress Note generated from a clinic visit with their treating physician or surgeon no more than 90 days before the AME exam. … It should include a summary of the history of the condition or diagnosis;
- Item 2
A current CBC (lab).
and plan (prognosis); and follow-up. 2. Current CBC (lab).
- Item 3
Results of any other testing already performed by the treating physician.
3. Results of any other testing already performed by the treating physician.
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.
The recovery period is based on anesthesia
For a routine procedure with no complications, the table says the recovery period is based on anesthesia, and that in most cases 48 hours applies after a routine procedure and recovery.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 2
For a routine procedure with no complications, the recovery period is based on anesthesia. In most cases, 48 hours applies after a routine procedure and recovery.
If an underlying condition is found
Both rows say that if any underlying condition is found, see that section.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 3
If any underlying condition is found, see that section.
Unresolved complications and flying
Row B says the individual should not return to flight or SRD until the complication or complications are resolved and they have been released by their treating physician or surgeon to full duty.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 4
The individual should not return to flight or SRD until the complication(s) are resolved and they have been released by their treating physician/surgeon to full duty.
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.