House panel approves FAA medication transparency bill for pilots

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved legislation that would require the FAA to publish a comprehensive public list of medications that pilots and other aviation professionals may use for medical-certification purposes.

The committee advanced an amended version of H.R. 2592, the Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2026, by voice vote on September 15. According to AVweb, the measure would give the FAA one year after enactment to compile and maintain the list, which would also identify average periods during which an airman may need to limit or suspend duties while stabilizing on a medication. The FAA would be required to include medications classified as "Do Not Issue" or "Do Not Fly" and update the information annually.

Current FAA guidance

The FAA already publishes medication material for pilots and Aviation Medical Examiners, including "Do Not Issue" and "Do Not Fly" guidance. However, the agency currently does not maintain a comprehensive list of acceptable medications, saying that certification decisions can also depend on the underlying condition, dosage, drug interactions and other individual factors. The agency's current pilot guidance advises pilots to consult an Aviation Medical Examiner about specific medications or medical conditions.

Committee process and next steps

The committee-approved version directs the FAA to consult organisations representing general aviation and business aviation pilots, airline pilots and air traffic controllers while developing the list. It would also establish a way for physicians and other medical providers to contact the FAA about medication questions.

Rep. Sean Casten, D-Ill., the sponsor, said when an earlier version of the measure was introduced in 2024 that "pilots and air traffic controllers deserve to know what medication they are allowed to take and which medications may derail their career." He stated that the bill "improves the current system by making public the approved list of medications allowed by the FAA and helps aviators and their doctors make the best choice for their career and their health."

The measure is now eligible for consideration by the full House, although no date to do so has been set.