What is grounds for denial of an application for an FAA certificate?

The basis for denying an application for an FAA certificate due to operation under the influence of alcohol or drugs underscores the FAA's commitment to safety in aviation. The FAA has strict regulations that prohibit pilots from operating any aircraft while impaired. This can include both alcohol and illegal drugs, as well as certain legal medications that can affect the pilot’s ability to operate an aircraft safely.

When an applicant has a history of operating under the influence, it poses significant safety risks and raises concerns about the individual's judgment and responsibility as a pilot. The FAA aims to ensure that all pilots meet high standards of fitness for flying, and a record of substance abuse violates these standards. Therefore, any evidence or history of operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a valid reason for denial of certification.

The other factors, such as inadequate flight time, incomplete training records, or not having a current medical certificate, while important, do not directly relate to safety or compliance with laws governing substance use. Instead, they may be rectifiable conditions one could address to eventually meet the requirements for certification, making them less severe in comparison.