Pleura and pleural cavity
What the FAA's documents say about pleura and pleural cavity, in plain words, with the FAA's own words one press away.
Short version
The Guide's Item 35 table for the pleura and pleural cavity is for all classes.
| Situation | What the examiner does | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomyPleurisy (acute fibrinous, or with effusion), empyema, pneumonectomy | Defers to the FAA | FAA review |
| Malignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinumMalignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinum | Defers to the FAA | FAA review |
| Other diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wallOther diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wall, as the row says | Defers to the FAA | FAA review |
| Traumatic pneumothoraxA traumatic pneumothorax | Examiner issues | Examiner can issue |
| Spontaneous pneumothoraxA spontaneous pneumothorax | Defers to the FAA | FAA review |
Show the FAA's words: the FAA's table for Pleura and pleural cavity
- Acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy · FAA review
Acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy, for all classes. The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and PFT's, and says it requires an FAA decision.
Acute fibrinous pleurisy; Empyema; Pleurisy with effusion; or Pneumonectomy … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report, and PFT's … Requires FAA Decision
- Malignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinum · FAA review
Malignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinum, for all classes. The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and says it requires an FAA decision.
Malignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinum … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … Requires FAA Decision
- Other diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wall · FAA review
Other diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wall that require use of medication, or that could adversely affect flying or endanger the applicant's well-being if permitted to fly, for all classes. The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and says it requires an FAA decision.
Other diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wall that require use of medication or that could adversely affect flying or endanger the applicant's well-being if permitted to fly … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … Requires FAA Decision
- Traumatic pneumothorax · Examiner can issue
A traumatic pneumothorax, for all classes. The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report. Its disposition is Issue if 3 months after resolution.
Pneumothorax - Traumatic … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … If 3 months after resolution - Issue
- Spontaneous pneumothorax · FAA review
A spontaneous pneumothorax, for all classes. The row carries the table's footnote 10. The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and says it requires an FAA decision.
Spontaneous pneumothorax 10 … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … Requires FAA Decision
- A note on the table, 1
For sarcoid, if more than minimal involvement or if symptomatic, for all classes, the table says to see the Sarcoid Disposition Table, and that the Sarcoid Status Summary may also be needed, in both its evaluation data and its disposition.
Sarcoid, if more than minimal involvement or if symptomatic … All … See Sarcoid Disposition Table (PDF) … May also need Sarcoid Status Summary (PDF) … See Sarcoid Disposition Table (PDF) … May also need Sarcoid Status Summary (PDF)
The FAA pathways for pleura and pleural cavity
- How this pathway works: Examiner can issueNo special pathwayTraumatic pneumothorax
- FAA reviewYour AME defers. The FAA decides.Acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy
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: Acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy: what to submit
The evaluation data the table lists, for an FAA decision.Medical information and a current status report
All pertinent medical information and a current status report.
PFT's (as printed)
PFT's (as printed), which this row's evaluation data adds.
Show the FAA's words: Acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy: what to submit
Acute fibrinous pleurisy; Empyema; Pleurisy with effusion; or Pneumonectomy
All
Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report, and PFT's
FAA source: Pleura and Pleural Cavity. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
Step 2: See your AME
The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and PFT's, and says it requires an FAA decision.Exam day- The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and PFT's, and says it requires an FAA decision.
Show the FAA's words: See your AME
Acute fibrinous pleurisy; Empyema; Pleurisy with effusion; or Pneumonectomy
All
Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report, and PFT's
Requires FAA Decision
FAA source: Pleura and Pleural Cavity. FAA date 24 September 2025; checked by Crosscheck 14 October 2026.
What the examiner checks
It depends on which row of the FAA's table describes the case.
Acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomyDefers to the FAAFAA review
The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and PFT's, and says it requires an FAA decision.
If the examiner defersMalignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinumDefers to the FAAFAA review
The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and says it requires an FAA decision.
If the examiner defersOther diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wallDefers to the FAAFAA review
The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and says it requires an FAA decision.
If the examiner defersTraumatic pneumothoraxExaminer issuesExaminer can issue
The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report. Its disposition is Issue if 3 months after resolution.
Spontaneous pneumothoraxDefers to the FAAFAA review
The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and says it requires an FAA decision.
If the examiner defers
Show the FAA's words: what the examiner does on each row
- Acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy · FAA review
Acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy, for all classes. The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and PFT's, and says it requires an FAA decision.
Acute fibrinous pleurisy; Empyema; Pleurisy with effusion; or Pneumonectomy … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report, and PFT's … Requires FAA Decision
- Malignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinum · FAA review
Malignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinum, for all classes. The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and says it requires an FAA decision.
Malignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinum … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … Requires FAA Decision
- Other diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wall · FAA review
Other diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wall that require use of medication, or that could adversely affect flying or endanger the applicant's well-being if permitted to fly, for all classes. The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and says it requires an FAA decision.
Other diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wall that require use of medication or that could adversely affect flying or endanger the applicant's well-being if permitted to fly … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … Requires FAA Decision
- Traumatic pneumothorax · Examiner can issue
A traumatic pneumothorax, for all classes. The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report. Its disposition is Issue if 3 months after resolution.
Pneumothorax - Traumatic … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … If 3 months after resolution - Issue
- Spontaneous pneumothorax · FAA review
A spontaneous pneumothorax, for all classes. The row carries the table's footnote 10. The table asks for all pertinent medical information and a current status report, and says it requires an FAA decision.
Spontaneous pneumothorax 10 … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … Requires FAA Decision
If the examiner defersFAA review
For acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy, the table says it requires an FAA decision.
For malignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinum, the table says it requires an FAA decision.
For other diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wall that require use of medication, or that could adversely affect flying or endanger the applicant's well-being if permitted to fly, the table says it requires an FAA decision.
For a spontaneous pneumothorax, the table says it requires an FAA decision.
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1. All pertinent medical information and a current status report.
- Item 2. For acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy, PFT's as well.
Show the FAA's words: if the examiner defers
When the examiner defers
- Reason 1
For acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy, the table says it requires an FAA decision.
Acute fibrinous pleurisy; Empyema; Pleurisy with effusion; or Pneumonectomy … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report, and PFT's … Requires FAA Decision
- Reason 2
For malignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinum, the table says it requires an FAA decision.
Malignant tumors or cysts of the lung, pleura or mediastinum … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … Requires FAA Decision
- Reason 3
For other diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wall that require use of medication, or that could adversely affect flying or endanger the applicant's well-being if permitted to fly, the table says it requires an FAA decision.
Other diseases or defects of the lungs or chest wall that require use of medication or that could adversely affect flying or endanger the applicant's well-being if permitted to fly … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … Requires FAA Decision
- Reason 4
For a spontaneous pneumothorax, the table says it requires an FAA decision.
Spontaneous pneumothorax 10 … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … Requires FAA Decision
What the FAA lists to send
- Item 1
All pertinent medical information and a current status report.
Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report
- Item 2
For acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy, PFT's as well.
Acute fibrinous pleurisy; Empyema; Pleurisy with effusion; or Pneumonectomy … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report, and PFT's
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.
A traumatic pneumothorax, 3 months after resolution
For a traumatic pneumothorax, the table's disposition is Issue if 3 months after resolution. It gives no disposition for the time before that.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 2
Pneumothorax - Traumatic … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … If 3 months after resolution - Issue
A spontaneous pneumothorax, and the table's footnote 10
The row for a spontaneous pneumothorax says it requires an FAA decision. Footnote 10 says a single episode is considered disqualifying until there is x-ray evidence of resolution and until it can be determined that no condition that would be likely to cause recurrence is present (i.e., residual blebs), and that an individual who has sustained a repeat pneumothorax normally is not eligible for certification until surgical interventions are carried out to correct the underlying problem. It says a person who has such a history is usually able to resume airmen duties 3 months after the surgery, and that no special limitations on flying at altitude are applied.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 3
Spontaneous pneumothorax 10 … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report … Requires FAA Decision … 10 A history of a single episode of spontaneous pneumothorax is considered disqualifying for airman medical certification until there is x-ray evidence of resolution and until it can be determined that no condition that would be likely to cause recurrence is present (i.e., residual blebs). On the other hand, an individual who has sustained a repeat pneumothorax normally is not eligible for certification until surgical interventions are carried out to correct the underlying problem. A person who has such a history is usually able to resume airmen duties 3 months after the surgery. No special limitations on flying at altitude are applied.
PFT's for acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy
The row for acute fibrinous pleurisy, empyema, pleurisy with effusion, or pneumonectomy adds PFT's to all pertinent medical information and a current status report.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 4
Acute fibrinous pleurisy; Empyema; Pleurisy with effusion; or Pneumonectomy … All … Submit all pertinent medical information and current status report, and PFT's
Sarcoid points to its own table
For sarcoid, if more than minimal involvement or if symptomatic, the table says to see the Sarcoid Disposition Table, and that the Sarcoid Status Summary may also be needed.
Show the FAA's words: good to know, 5
Sarcoid, if more than minimal involvement or if symptomatic … All … See Sarcoid Disposition Table (PDF) … May also need Sarcoid Status Summary (PDF)
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.