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FAA CACI Arthritis Worksheet for AMEs

Under the FAA's Conditions AMEs Can Issue (CACI) program, a pilot with osteoarthritis or certain autoimmune arthritis can be certified at the AME's office. This worksheet, updated 04/29/2026, requires the treating physician to find the condition stable with no changes recommended, symptoms no worse than mild to moderate without significant limits, and treatment limited to listed medications.

Who completes it

The AME completes the worksheet from a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note written after a clinic visit with the treating physician or specialist, such as a rheumatologist, no more than 90 days before the AME exam.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
If all criteria are met, the AME issues, notes 'CACI qualified arthritis' in Block 60 and keeps the documents on file without sending them to the FAA; otherwise the AME defers and submits them.
Who pays
The FAA does not set AME examination fees; the pilot pays the examiner, and the FAA recommends the usual and customary local fee for similar services.

Good to know

  • Acceptable causes are osteoarthritis and autoimmune arthritis limited to rheumatoid arthritis of the joints, psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. For osteoarthritis, the disposition table may show no CACI is needed.
  • Accepted drugs include prednisone 20 mg/day equivalent or less, azathioprine, methotrexate, sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine, with or without daily NSAIDs.
  • A single listed biologic, JAK or PDE4 inhibitor qualifies after a 2-week ground trial; post-dose no-fly observation is 4 hours for TNF and IL drugs and 24 to 72 hours for some others.
  • Pilots on hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine also need a favorable HCQ/CQ Status Summary with no concerns.

Get the official form

Download the current version from the source each time; forms change without notice.

CACI - Arthritis Worksheet

Official pagePDF

Fill it with Vero

If your copy of the form is a fillable PDF, upload it once and Vero Documents fills it from the visit note and the chart, ready for you to review and sign. Download, print, or email the finished form, with the patient’s consent.

See how Vero Documents works

How this list is checked

A form is listed only after its name and number were confirmed on the issuing agency’s or insurer’s own website, or in the form itself. Each entry links to that source. The list was last checked in October 2026. Forms and their requirements change without notice, so check the official page for the current version before you complete one.

Vero is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the agencies and insurers listed here. Read our editorial policy.

Frequently asked questions

Which arthritis medications are acceptable under the FAA CACI?

Prednisone 20 mg/day equivalent or less, azathioprine, methotrexate, sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, with or without daily NSAIDs. A single listed biologic or targeted drug, such as adalimumab, apremilast or tofacitinib, is acceptable after a 2-week ground trial, with any required post-dose observation before flying.

What should the rheumatologist's note cover for the FAA arthritis CACI?

It must be a current, detailed clinical progress note from a visit within 90 days of the AME exam, stating the type of arthritis, that it is stable on the current regimen with no changes recommended, the symptoms and any limits on motion or activities, and current medications with dosages and side effects.