ASA An Aviators Field Guide to FAA Medical Certification

Overview

A pilot’s ability to obtain and keep a current medical certificate can have significant career and lifestyle implications. FAA medical certification is not solely a clinical determination—it is a regulatory and legal process. An Aviator’s Field Guide to FAA Medical Certification explains how the Federal Aviation Administration evaluates applications for airman medical certificates under 14 CFR Part 67 and why a favorable clinical assessment by a personal physician does not always result in medical certification. Written by a team with extensive aviation, legal, and medical experience, this guide walks airmen through MedXPress, the Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) examination, deferrals, Conditions AMEs Can Issue (CACI), Special Issuance Authorizations, denials, appeals, BasicMed, and more. Designed for student pilots who are new to FAA medical certification as well as experienced aviators who have more to lose if there are unexpected issues, this book provides a clear, practical understanding of the process. Using the guidance contained here will help you properly prepare before applying, avoid common pitfalls, reduce the risk of a denial or deferral, and make well-informed decisions to protect your eligibility to fly.

Specifications

• Edition: First
• Effective Date: 2026
• ISBN Number: 978-1-64425-492-9
• Dimensions: 5.25 x 8.25 inches
• Copyright: © 2026 Aviation Supplies & Academics, Inc. All rights reserved.
• Date Published: 2026
• Search: True

Author Details

Anthony G. Ison, JD
Anthony G. Ison is an aviation attorney born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, home to the annual Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo. Anthony has been a licensed airman since he was 17 years old and has been working toward obtaining his rotorcraft endorsement. His nearly lifelong infatuation with aviation has culminated in a dedication to assist those within the aviation community and foster a better outreach to those outside it. In that, Anthony represents pilots, mechanics, aviation businesses, air traffic controllers, and the like before the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board and in a multitude of other settings.
Anthony graduated from Florida Southern College where he studied English with a concentration in writing. For three years during his time at Florida Southern College, Anthony was the president of Sigma Tau Delta, an English honors society. Anthony earned his law degree from Stetson University College of Law, where he focused on studying administrative law and those areas pertinent to the superior representation of airmen.
Anthony is licensed by and a member of the bar associations of both Florida and Kentucky. Additionally, he is an Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Legal Services Panel Attorney and is a member of the Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association. Through his training and experience, Anthony has had the opportunity to conduct extensive research on issues related to the Federal Aviation Regulations. Anthony has contributed to numerous research studies regarding aviation law.
Popularly known as “The Pilot Lawyer” because he is both a pilot and a lawyer and provides legal services to other pilots, Anthony founded The Ison Law Firm under the belief that the firm would be a blessing to airmen during their time of need. To this day, Anthony runs the firm with a Christian mindset and has promised to always treat clients and opponents with respect while pursuing his clients’ claims or defenses with the utmost diligence.
Outside the practice of law, Anthony is happily married to his wife, Emily, and is a proud father to their children, Atticus, Eloise, and Beau. Anthony and his family enjoy flying, traveling, spending time with family, and participating in church activities.
Christopher S. Ison, JD
Christopher S. Ison is an aviation attorney, certificated pilot, and partner at The Ison Law Firm. A lifelong aviation enthusiast raised in Lakeland, Florida, he has combined his passion for flying with a distinguished legal career focused on protecting pilots and aviation professionals.
Before dedicating his practice to aviation law, Christopher served as an assistant state attorney and later practiced plaintiff’s personal injury and medical malpractice litigation, gaining extensive courtroom and trial experience. He has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star and as a member of The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. As both a pilot and an attorney, Christopher brings a unique perspective to FAA enforcement and medical certification matters, helping airmen navigate some of the most challenging moments of their aviation careers.
Christopher earned his law degree from Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law after graduating from Florida Southern College with a degree in English. He lives in Florida with his wife, Rachel, and their four children.
Alexander S. Ison, DC
Alexander S. Ison is a chiropractic physician, medical consultant, husband, and father from Lakeland, Florida.
Born and raised in Lakeland, Alex spent eight years in private chiropractic practice alongside his father, Dr. Scottie Ison, before joining his brothers, Anthony and Christopher, at The Ison Law Firm. In his role as the firm’s in-house medical consultant, Alex uses his clinical background to assist airmen navigating the FAA medical certification process.
Alex earned his undergraduate degree from Florida Southern College, where he studied psychology and biology. During his senior year, he served as president of the Psi Chi Honor Society and presented his original research at a national psychology conference in 2009. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences in 2014 and is a licensed chiropractic physician in the state of Florida. Outside of his professional work, Alex is happily married to his wife, Alyss, and is the proud father of Henry, Eleanor, and Emma. He and his family enjoy traveling in their motorhome, spending time with loved ones, and visiting Walt Disney World.
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You can find out more about Anthony, Christopher, and Alexander Ison and The Ison Law Firm at thepilotlawyer.com.