Morphine
Brand names: MS Contin, Kadian|Last verified: 2026-09-12
FAA Pathway: Do Not Fly (pain medication) — occasional short-term use only; chronic use is Do Not Issue
The FAA's Do Not Fly table allows morphine to be used occasionally for a time-limited condition, such as recovery from surgery or dental work, but you must not fly while taking it or until the no-fly time has passed after your last dose (at least 5 times its maximum half-life). An ongoing prescription for chronic use of a controlled substance is on the Do Not Issue list, and the underlying pain condition is evaluated separately.
Related Resources
Pilot Tip
Always report all medications on your FAA medical application (Form 8500-8, Item 17a), even OTC medications. Failure to disclose is a far bigger issue than the medication itself.
Certification Details
Sources
- FAA Do Not Issue Table
- FAA Do-Not-Issue/Do-Not-Fly Table (faa.gov/ame_guide/media/DNI_DNF_tables.pdf)
- FAA AME Guide — Pharmaceuticals: Controlled Substances and CBD (faa.gov/ame_guide/media/Controlled_Substances_and_CBD_Products.pdf)
Last verified: 2026-09-12
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morphine allowed for pilots?
The FAA considers Morphine (MS Contin, Kadian) to be "Disqualifying" for medical certification purposes. The FAA's Do Not Fly table allows morphine to be used occasionally for a time-limited condition, such as recovery from surgery or dental work, but you must not fly while taking it or until the no-fly time has passed after your last dose (at least 5 times its maximum half-life). An ongoing prescription for chronic use of a controlled substance is on the Do Not Issue list, and the underlying pain condition is evaluated separately.
What is the FAA status of Morphine?
Morphine has a status of "Disqualifying" under FAA medical certification policy. The certification pathway is: Do Not Fly (pain medication) — occasional short-term use only; chronic use is Do Not Issue.
Can I fly while taking Morphine?
Morphine is currently disqualifying for FAA medical certification. You cannot fly while taking this medication. A washout period and evaluation are typically required after discontinuation. Consult an AME or aviation attorney before making any medication changes.
Important Notice
The FAA does not publish a comprehensive list of “approved” medications. The information on this page represents our interpretation of publicly available FAA guidance and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, legal advice, or a guarantee of certification outcome.
The primary issue with the FAA is always whether the underlying medical condition — not just the medication — is compatible with safe flight. You should only start, stop, or change medications after consulting your treating physician. Always consult with a qualified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for guidance specific to your situation. FAA policies are subject to change. ClearedMed is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA.