Kidney Stones and FAA Medical Certification: Passed vs. Retained Stones

A history of kidney stones does not automatically prevent you from obtaining an FAA medical certificate. The certification pathway depends on whether stones have passed, remain present, cause symptoms, or have produced complications. The FAA guidance applies to First-, Second-, and Third-Class certificates.

If Your Kidney Stone Has Passed

For a single uncomplicated stone within the past five years, your AME may issue when the stone has passed—or reached the bladder without further problems—and imaging confirms no retained stones.

If your most recent event or diagnosis was five or more years ago, issuance may be possible when you have no symptoms or current problems, normal kidney function, and no need for ongoing treatment or surveillance. Your AME documents the history.

If You Still Have Kidney Stones

Some pilots with retained stones qualify through CACI—Conditions AMEs Can Issue—without a separate FAA approval.

Your AME must review a detailed treating-provider visit note dated within 90 days before your examination. It must establish that:

• You have no symptoms.

• Stone size and number remain stable.

• Sudden incapacitation is unlikely.

• There is no underlying cause for recurrence or disqualifying complication.

• After surgery, you have fully recovered, stopped pain medications, and received the surgeon’s release.

Supportive prevention, including certain medications without side effects, may be acceptable. First- and Second-Class applicants provide updated documentation annually; Third-Class applicants provide it at each required examination.

When Is FAA Review Needed?

Symptoms, complications, or an underlying cause for recurrent stones require deferral for possible Special Issuance. Examples include obstruction, kidney failure, chronic hydronephrosis, stone-related sepsis or recurrent urinary infections, and three or more stone procedures within five years.

Required records include a urologist’s detailed visit note within 90 days, medications and side effects, relevant procedure records, and available imaging and laboratory reports. Imaging should follow your treating physician’s clinical judgment.

Prepare Before Your Appointment

Contact Weston Medical Clinic before your FAA examination so we can help identify the records needed for your situation. Certification depends on your individual findings and applicable FAA criteria.

Call (954) 385-9711 or request an FAA medical appointment

FAA references: Kidney Stone Disposition Table and CACI Retained Kidney Stones Worksheet.