Virginia Code

Va. Code Ann. § 54.1-2966 (2026)

Physicians reporting disabilities to aircraft pilots licensing authorities exempt from liability; testifying in certain proceedings

✓ current as of May 2026

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A. Any physician who, in good faith, reports the existence, or probable existence, of a mental or physical disability or infirmity in any person licensed or certificated to operate any type of aircraft, or any applicant for a license or certificate to operate any type of aircraft, to a governmental agency which is responsible for issuing, renewing, revoking or suspending such licenses or certificates, or which is responsible for air safety, which the physician believes will or reasonably could affect such person's ability to safely operate the aircraft he is licensed or certificated, or is seeking to be licensed or certificated, to operate shall not be liable for any civil damages resulting from such reporting, regardless of whether such person is, or has been, a patient of such physician, except when such reporting was done with malice.

B. Notwithstanding any provision of § 8.01-399, any physician may testify in any administrative hearing or other proceeding regarding the issuance, renewal, revocation or suspension of any license or certificate to pilot an aircraft of any person, regardless of whether such person is, or has been, a patient of such physician, giving evidence of the existence or probable existence, of a mental or physical disability or infirmity.

1978, c. 561, § 54-276.9:1; 1988, c. 765.

Notes of Decisions

Cited in 2 cases, 1992–1994 · leading case: Pierce v. Caday, 422 S.E.2d 371 (Va. 1992).

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Pierce v. Caday, 422 S.E.2d 371 (Va. 1992). · cites it 2× “, Code §§ 37:1-225 through -233 (disclosure allowed of certain patient information to third party payors by professionals, including physicians); Code § 54.1-2966 (physician who reports to governmental agency responsible for air safety the disability or infirmity in person…”

Curtis v. Fairfax Hosp., 34 Va. Cir. 290 (Fairfax Cir. Ct. 1994). · cites it 2× “1-233 (disclosure to third party payors); Code § 54.1-2966 (disclosure to government air safety agency disability potentially affecting operation of aircraft); Code § 54.”

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