Ramos Law Aviation

10/08/2026

BIG NEWS for pilots and air traffic controllers!

Two bills have passed the Senate that could bring meaningful changes to FAA medical certification:

1. The Aviation Medication Transparency Act would make FAA medication guidance more accessible to pilots, controllers, and their doctors.

2. The John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act aims to reduce barriers to seeking mental health care and improve the certification process.

Senate passage is a MAJOR step forward, but the job isn’t finished just yet.

Aviation attorney Matthew Bulow explains both bills, what changes they could bring, and what comes next — only on the Ramos Aviation YouTube channel. 🔗 Link in bio

10/06/2026

For pilots and air traffic controllers, seeking medical care can come with a difficult question: What will this mean for my career?

Uncertainty about medications, lengthy certification reviews, and concerns about disclosing a mental health condition can make people hesitant to seek help. When your livelihood depends on medical certification, those concerns carry real weight.

The Senate’s recent passage of two bills marks a major milestone toward addressing these barriers.

1. Aviation Medication Transparency Act (S. 3258)

This bill would require the FAA to publish an accessible medication list covering prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including “Do Not Issue” and “Do Not Fly” designations. Where practicable, it would identify minimum periods of limited or no duties needed to stabilize on an allowed medication. It would also provide information for medical providers to contact the FAA with questions about the list.

2. John A. Hauser Mental Health in Aviation Act (S. 3257)

This bill would require regulatory updates to encourage people to seek help and disclose mental health conditions, periodic reviews of the mental health special issuance process, and public education to reduce stigma. It also includes resources to support aviation medical examiner training and address certification backlogs.

Together, these proposals could give aviation professionals greater clarity when making treatment decisions and navigating medical certification.

This is meaningful progress, but the work isn’t finished. Further action is needed before these proposals can become law and their requirements take effect.

In this week’s Medical Mondays, Ramos Law aviation attorney Matthew Bulow breaks down what the bills could mean for pilots and controllers, where the FAA would retain discretion, and what comes next.

Watch the full episode:

Two bills that could reshape FAA medical certification have passed ...

09/04/2026

BasicMed may allow you to fly without a current FAA medical certificate, but that doesn’t mean you can fly without limits.

Before making the switch, you need to know whether you’re eligible, what aircraft you can fly, how many passengers you can carry, and where you’re allowed to go.

08/31/2026

Thinking about earning your sport pilot certificate? ✈️

For single-engine airplane privileges, you generally need to:

1. Be at least 17 years old
2. Have a valid US drivers license
3. Your most recent application for a medical (cannot be revoked, withdrawn, or denied)
4. Complete at least 20 hours of flight time, including 15 hours with an instructor and five hours solo

A sport pilot certificate can be an accessible way into general aviation, but make sure you understand the aircraft, passenger and operating limitations that come with it.

Always check the current FAA requirements before takeoff.

08/24/2026

Can pilots seek counseling without putting their FAA medical certificate at risk?

The FAA recently added new guidance addressing psychotherapy and counseling for pilots and air traffic controllers. In this Medical Monday, aviation attorney Matthew Bulow explains:

✈️ When counseling may need to be reported through MedXPress
✈️ When symptoms may require self-grounding under 14 CFR § 61.53
✈️ What the update changes and what it does not
✈️ How pilots can prepare for their next medical exam

Seeking help is not automatically disqualifying. The focus should be on the underlying condition, its severity and stability, and whether it presents an actual aeromedical safety concern.

Watch the full video to better understand the FAA’s updated guidance and what it could mean for your medical certificate.

Can pilots seek counseling or psychotherapy without jeopardizing th...

08/21/2026

What are the FAA DUI reporting requirements for pilots?

Reporting a DUI or DWI on your FAA medical application may not be enough. Under 14 CFR § 61.15, a DUI or DWI conviction or an administrative action affecting your driving privileges, including a driver’s license suspension or revocation, may require a separate report to the FAA within 60 days.

Missing this FAA reporting requirement could create additional problems for your pilot certificate or FAA medical certificate.

Want to learn more about getting or keeping an FAA medical certificate after a DUI or DWI?

🔗 Watch our full Medical Monday episode, “FAA DUI Categories: Which One Affects Your Certificate?” on the Ramos Law Aviation YouTube channel.

08/20/2026

08/20/2026

National Aviation Day is a celebration of flight, innovation, and the people who make aviation possible.

Behind every flight is an entire community of pilots, mechanics, instructors, air traffic controllers, line crews, airport professionals, medical providers, and families working together to keep aviation moving safely.

Pilots are trained to prepare for the unexpected, make difficult decisions, and put safety first. That commitment to safety must also include their own mental health.

The fear that seeking help could affect an FAA medical certificate is real. A pilot’s certificate represents a career, a livelihood, a passion, and an important part of their identity. But asking for support does not automatically mean losing the ability to fly.

The FAA encourages counseling or therapy when medically appropriate, and certification pathways may be available for certain conditions and treatments. Every situation is different, but the bottom line is simple: NO pilot should feel that struggling alone is the only way to protect what they have worked for.

Supporting aviation means supporting the people behind it. Today, and everyday, thank the professionals who help keep our skies safe and check on the pilots and aviation professionals in your life.

If you are struggling, reach out to a trusted person, pilot peer-support program, or mental health professional. You do not have to navigate it alone. Your certificate matters, but you matter more.

Happy from all of us here at Ramos Law Aviation ♥

08/17/2026

Worried about qualifying for an FAA medical or simply don’t want to pursue one? The sport pilot route may be an option. ✈️

With the FAA’s MOSAIC expansion, sport pilot privileges offer more possibilities than ever.

You’ll still face specific aircraft and operational limitations and can carry only one passenger, but for many pilots, it can be a great way to keep flying.

Eligibility depends on your individual medical history and circumstances.

08/13/2026

Did you receive a Letter of Investigation from the FAA? Before you respond, remember that what you say could be used during the investigation.

Whether you should respond, push back or consider a proposed settlement depends on the specific facts of your situation.

Our aviation attorneys at Ramos Law handle FAA matters every day and can help you understand your options before you act.

If you’ve received an FAA letter, Ramos Law Aviation is here to help you navigate what comes next.