Pilots who check other pilots no longer need a medical certificate

The US aviation regulator removed a rule requiring check pilots and flight instructors to hold a medical certificate. This means these pilots can continue to perform their duties without needing to pass a medical exam, unless they are part of the required flight crew.

This change removes a small but persistent administrative hurdle for experienced pilots who train and evaluate other pilots. It means more people can serve in these critical training roles, potentially easing staffing pressures in aviation. The rule now aligns with how these roles are actually performed, where the check pilot is often not actively flying the aircraft.