The FAA has published a notice the agency will take no legal enforcement action against pilots or flight crew members with medical certificates expiring between March 31 and June 30, 2020. This is being done to reduce pressure on the medical system as the nation deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. The notice applies to 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd class medical certificates.

Ag aviators need to be mindful, however, that the FAA did not state that the duration of medical certificates will be extended. For that reason it is important for those with medical certificates expiring between March 31 and June 30 to check with your insurance broker and underwriter to verify you will still be insured if a situation occurs at this time resulting in having to file a claim. 

Aircraft insurance policies typically state, “The coverage afforded hereunder shall not apply unless the aircraft is operated in flight by the following pilots provided that they hold the proper and current medical and pilot certificates with the appropriate ratings and qualifications required under the current FAA regulations which apply to the flight involved.” Accordingly, while a pilot flying with an expired medical certificate may not be subject to an FAA enforcement action, they may indeed be in violation of the pilot warranty on their insurance policy. 

As such, if your insurance policy requires a “proper and current medical certificate” have your insurance broker contact your insurance company underwriter and request an endorsement to your policy, for some period of time, if you are unable to obtain a medical. NAAA also recommends ag aviators still renew their medical certificates if they are able make an appointment with an Aviation Medical Examiner.

You can read details of the announcement here. NAAA, along with other aviation organizations, urged the FAA to provide this extension due to medical facilities focusing on treating COVID-19 and inability to handle other medical related services at this time.