If a medication is not on the appropriate approved medication list, can the Flight Surgeon still prescribe it?

• A. Yes
• B. No, they need a waiver
• C. Only with CO approval
• D. Only if on OTC list

Answer: (B)

Medications for aircrew are tightly controlled and must be on an approved list to fly. If a medication isn’t on that list, it cannot be prescribed for flying duties without going through a formal waiver process. The flight surgeon assesses the medical necessity, potential risks to flight safety, possible alternatives, and any required flight status restrictions. Only after a waiver is granted can the medication be used for aircrew; otherwise the crew member would be grounded or reassessed.

That’s why the correct approach is to obtain a waiver. The other options don’t fit because a CO can’t grant the medical waiver, and simply being OTC does not override the need for approval on the official list.