Hepatitis C
What the FAA's documents say about hepatitis C, in plain words, with the FAA's own words one press away.
FAA term: Hepatitis C – Chronic
Short version
For hepatitis C, the Guide's Item 38 table says ISSUE if the disease is resolved without sequela.
| Situation | What the examiner does | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Row AHepatitis C, all classes, where the disease is resolved without sequela. | Examiner issues | Examiner can issue |
| Row BChronic hepatitis C. | Worksheet | CACI |
| Row CAll others. | Defers to the FAA | Special Issuance |
Show the FAA's words: the FAA's table for Hepatitis C
- Row A · Examiner can issue
Hepatitis C, all classes, where the disease is resolved without sequela. The table says ISSUE.
Hepatitis C … All … If disease is resolved without sequela – Issue .
- Row B · CACI
Chronic hepatitis C. The table sends the examiner to the CACI worksheet for chronic hepatitis C. If the airman meets all certification criteria, the examiner issues.
If applicant has chronic Hepatitis C, see CACI – Hepatitis C – Chronic Worksheet . If Airman meets all certification criteria – Issue .
- Row C · Special Issuance
All others. The table says all others require an FAA decision, with all evaluation data submitted. An initial Special Issuance requires an FAA decision.
All others require FAA decision. Submit all evaluation data. … Initial Special Issuance – Requires FAA Decision
- A note on the table, 1
The table's evaluation data for hepatitis C is to review all pertinent medical information and a current status report, including the duration of symptoms, the name and dosage of drugs, and side effects.
Hepatitis C … All … Review all pertinent medical information and current status report, include duration of symptoms, name and dosage of drugs and side effects
The FAA pathways for hepatitis C
- How this pathway works: Examiner can issueNo special pathwayRow A
- How this pathway works: CACIConditions AMEs Can IssueRow B
- How this pathway works: Special IssuanceAuthorization for Special Issuance of a Medical CertificateRow C
- How this pathway works: AASIAME Assisted Special IssuanceAfter the FAA decides
Which exam
Your step-by-step plan
Step 1: The status report from the treating physician
The report the examiner reviews, with any supporting documents.A current status report from your treating physician, and any supporting documents. Your AME reviews them.
The worksheet's criteria
- Stable on the current regimen, with no changes recommended by the treating physician
- No complications or symptoms from chronic hepatitis C
Show the FAA's words: The status report from the treating physician
The Examiner must review a current status report by the treating physician and any supporting documents to determine the applicant’s eligibility for certification.
FAA source: CACI – Hepatitis C – Chronic Worksheet. FAA date 24 November 2021; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Treating physician finds the condition stable on current regimen and no changes recommended [ ] Yes
FAA source: CACI – Hepatitis C – Chronic Worksheet. FAA date 24 November 2021; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Complications or symptoms from Chronic Hepatitis C [ ] None
FAA source: CACI – Hepatitis C – Chronic Worksheet. FAA date 24 November 2021; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 2: Labs and medications
Your current labs, and your medications for the condition.Current labs
Labs from within the last 90 days.
All within 10% of normal lab scale
- AST (SGOT)
- ALT (SGPT)
- Albumin
- PT
Your medications for the condition
None. The worksheet's box for medications for the condition is None.
Show the FAA's words: Labs and medications
Current Labs [ ] Within last 90 days [ ] AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), Albumin, and PT all within 10% of normal lab scale.
FAA source: CACI – Hepatitis C – Chronic Worksheet. FAA date 24 November 2021; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Medications for condition [ ] None
FAA source: CACI – Hepatitis C – Chronic Worksheet. FAA date 24 November 2021; 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
The table says ISSUE.
Row BWorksheetCACI
The table sends the examiner to the CACI worksheet for chronic hepatitis C. If the airman meets all certification criteria, the examiner issues.
Row CDefers to the FAASpecial Issuance
The table says all others require an FAA decision, with all evaluation data submitted. An initial Special Issuance requires an FAA decision.
If the examiner defers
Show the FAA's words: what the examiner does on each row
- Row A · Examiner can issue
Hepatitis C, all classes, where the disease is resolved without sequela. The table says ISSUE.
Hepatitis C … All … If disease is resolved without sequela – Issue .
- Row B · CACI
Chronic hepatitis C. The table sends the examiner to the CACI worksheet for chronic hepatitis C. If the airman meets all certification criteria, the examiner issues.
If applicant has chronic Hepatitis C, see CACI – Hepatitis C – Chronic Worksheet . If Airman meets all certification criteria – Issue .
- Row C · Special Issuance
All others. The table says all others require an FAA decision, with all evaluation data submitted. An initial Special Issuance requires an FAA decision.
All others require FAA decision. Submit all evaluation data. … Initial Special Issuance – Requires FAA Decision
The CACI worksheet's criteria
Status report
- Stable on the current regimen, with no changes recommended by the treating physician
- No complications or symptoms from chronic hepatitis C
Current labs
- AST (SGOT)
- ALT (SGPT)
- Albumin
- PT
Show the FAA's words: the CACI worksheet's criteria for Hepatitis C
- Stable on the current regimen, with no changes recommended
FAA criterion: the treating physician finds the condition stable on the current regimen, with no changes recommended.
Treating physician finds the condition stable on current regimen and no changes recommended [ ] Yes
- No complications or symptoms from chronic hepatitis C
FAA criterion: no complications or symptoms from chronic hepatitis C.
Complications or symptoms from Chronic Hepatitis C [ ] None
- Current labs within the last 90 days
FAA criterion: current labs within the last 90 days, with AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), albumin, and PT all within 10% of normal lab scale.
Current Labs [ ] Within last 90 days [ ] AST (SGOT), ALT (SGPT), Albumin, and PT all within 10% of normal lab scale.
If the examiner defersSpecial Issuance
The table says all others require an FAA decision, with all evaluation data submitted, and that an initial Special Issuance requires an FAA decision.
When the pilot is not CACI qualified, the worksheet has the examiner note in Block 60 that they have deferred, and submit supporting documents.
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1. All evaluation data. The table's evaluation data for hepatitis C is all pertinent medical information and a current status report, including the duration of symptoms, the name and dosage of drugs, and side effects.
Show the FAA's words: if the examiner defers
When the examiner defers
- Reason 1
The table says all others require an FAA decision, with all evaluation data submitted, and that an initial Special Issuance requires an FAA decision.
All others require FAA decision. Submit all evaluation data. … Initial Special Issuance – Requires FAA Decision
- Reason 2
When the pilot is not CACI qualified, the worksheet has the examiner note in Block 60 that they have deferred, and submit supporting documents.
AME MUST NOTE in Block 60 one of the following: … NOT CACI qualified Hepatitis C - Chronic. I have deferred. (Submit supporting documents.)
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1
All evaluation data. The table's evaluation data for hepatitis C is all pertinent medical information and a current status report, including the duration of symptoms, the name and dosage of drugs, and side effects.
Review all pertinent medical information and current status report, include duration of symptoms, name and dosage of drugs and side effects … All others require FAA decision. Submit all evaluation data.
After the FAA decides
AASIThe table says an initial Special Issuance requires an FAA decision, and for followup Special Issuances it points to the AASI protocol. The FAA's AASI sheet for hepatitis C says an FAA physician provides the initial certification decision and grants the Authorization, and that for a first-time AASI application, with all the medical information needed for a determination, the examiner must defer and submit all of it to the AMCD or RFS for the initial determination.
Show the FAA's words: after the FAA decides
Initial Special Issuance – Requires FAA Decision … Followup Special Issuances – See AASI Protocol
An FAA physician provides the initial certification decision and grants the Authorization in accordance with 14 CFR § 67.401 . … If this is a first-time application for an AASI for the above disease/condition, and the applicant has all the requisite medical information necessary for a determination, the Examiner must defer and submit all of the documentation to the AMCD or RFS for the initial determination.
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 workAt later examsAASI
- First and second class
- Every year
- Third class
- At each required exam
The worksheet says first- and second-class applicants must provide this information every year, and third-class applicants must provide it with each required exam.
Show the FAA's words: how often the FAA asks again
Applicants for first- or second- class must provide this information annually; applicants for third-class must provide the information with each required exam.
Under an FAA Authorization, the FAA's AASI sheet for hepatitis C lists what the pilot provides for the examiner to reissue. That is the Authorization granted by the FAA; any symptoms the pilot has developed; the name and dosage of medication(s) used for treatment and/or prevention, with comment regarding side effects; and a current liver function profile performed within the last 90 days. The sheet says the Authorization letter comes with attachments that specify the information the treating doctors must provide for the reissue determination.
Show the FAA's words: at later exams
The Authorization letter is accompanied by attachments that specify the information that treating physician(s) must provide for the re-issuance determination. … Examiners may re-issue an airman medical certificate under the provisions of an Authorization, if the applicant provides the following: … An Authorization granted by the FAA; … Any symptoms the applicant has developed; … The name and dosage of medication(s) used for treatment and/or prevention with comment regarding side effects; and … A current liver function profile performed within last 90 days.
What AASI is
AASI stands for AME Assisted Special Issuance. The Guide describes it as a process that lets the examiner reissue a certificate under the provisions of an Authorization for Special Issuance, to an applicant who has a medical condition that is disqualifying under 14 CFR part 67.
How the FAA pathways workThe Authorization granted by the FAA
The AASI sheet's list for a reissue begins with an Authorization granted by the FAA.
Show the FAA's words: The Authorization granted by the FAA
Examiners may re-issue an airman medical certificate under the provisions of an Authorization, if the applicant provides the following: … An Authorization granted by the FAA;
Any symptoms developed, and the medications with comment on side effects
The AASI sheet asks for any symptoms the pilot has developed, and the name and dosage of the medication(s) used for treatment and/or prevention, with comment regarding side effects.
Show the FAA's words: Any symptoms developed, and the medications with comment on side effects
Any symptoms the applicant has developed; … The name and dosage of medication(s) used for treatment and/or prevention with comment regarding side effects; and
A current liver function profile performed within the last 90 days
The AASI sheet asks for a current liver function profile performed within the last 90 days.
Show the FAA's words: A current liver function profile performed within the last 90 days
A current liver function profile performed within last 90 days.
What the Authorization letter comes with
The AASI sheet says the Authorization letter comes with attachments that specify the information the treating physicians must provide for the reissue determination.
Show the FAA's words: What the Authorization letter comes with
The Authorization letter is accompanied by attachments that specify the information that treating physician(s) must provide for the re-issuance determination.
When the examiner defers a reissue
The AASI sheet says the examiner must defer to the AMCD or Region if the pilot has developed symptoms; if there has been a change in treatment regimen or the pilot has been placed on alpha-interferon; for any side effects from required medication; or for an adverse change in liver function studies.
Show the FAA's words: When the examiner defers a reissue
The Examiner must defer to the AMCD or Region if: … The applicant has developed symptoms; … There has been a change in treatment regimen or the applicant has been placed on alpha-interferon; … Any side effects from required medication; or … An adverse change in liver function studies.
Good 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.
Resolved without sequela is ISSUE
On the table's line, hepatitis C resolved without sequela is ISSUE, ahead of the worksheet for chronic hepatitis C.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 2
If disease is resolved without sequela – Issue . … If applicant has chronic Hepatitis C, see CACI – Hepatitis C – Chronic Worksheet .
The medications box reads None
The worksheet's box for medications for the condition reads None.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 3
Medications for condition [ ] None
Block 60 carries one of three statements
The worksheet says the examiner must note one of three in Block 60: CACI qualified; has current or previous SI/AASI but now CACI qualified; or NOT CACI qualified, which says the examiner has deferred and to submit supporting documents.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 4
AME MUST NOTE in Block 60 one of the following: … CACI qualified Hepatitis C - Chronic. … Has current OR previous SI/AASI but now CACI qualified. … NOT CACI qualified Hepatitis C - Chronic. I have deferred. (Submit supporting documents.)
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.
- Open to print: CACI – Hepatitis C – Chronic Worksheet, a PDF at the FAA, in a new tab
- Hepatitis C – ChronicOpen to print: Hepatitis C – Chronic, a page at the FAA, in a new tab
Examiner can issue, Special Issuance
- Open to print: AASI – Hepatitis C, a page at the FAA, in a new tab
- Open at the FAA: Pilot Information – What a Detailed Clinical Progress Note must contain, a PDF at the FAA, in a new tab
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.