By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI
To ensure safety for pilots and the public, the FAA requires that pilots obtain a medical certificate. Pilots are examined for both physical and mental fitness in efforts to reduce accidents related to medical issues. Obtaining a medical certificate is one of the first steps in becoming a pilot.
The FAA medical exam is administered by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) who is designated and trained by the FAA to evaluate pilots. Many of these doctors work in their practices every day and offer FAA medical exams part-time. Other AMEs offer aviation physicals full time. Many AMEs are pilots themselves!
What exactly is the FAA medical exam? How do you schedule one? What should a pilot expect to happen during an exam? Let’s answer these and other frequently asked questions.
What is the FAA Medical Exam?
The FAA is a government agency committed to aviation safety for pilots and the public. To advance safety and reduce the likelihood of an accident caused by a medical emergency, the FAA requires pilots be held to minimum physical and mental standards. Upon completion of the exam, a medical certificate is issued to the pilot which must be carried whenever acting as pilot-in-command.
Who Needs a FAA Medical Exam?
All pilots who are licensed to operate general aviation and commercial aviation aircraft are required to pass a medical exam. Any pilot, including student pilots flying solo, acting as pilot-in-command must have a FAA medical certificate.
When Should I Get My FAA Medical Exam?
The FAA medical exam is not legally required to begin flight training, but it’s recommended that student pilots schedule it before starting, or early into the training process. Since a medical certificate must be in hand to fly solo, it’s advised to get the medical exam done early in case there are any issues or delays in obtaining one. For some student pilots, the process from zero time to first solo flight can happen in a matter of weeks. If you’re planning to train in an accelerated program, it’s best to get your medical exam scheduled before starting training.
One purpose to have the exam early is to avoid spending too much time and money on flight lessons if you have a condition, take a medication, or have drug/alcohol history that would delay or prevent you from obtaining your medical certificate. Another reason is if you advance quickly through your training and ready for your first solo flight, but have yet to get cleared medically, it will delay solo flying. This can cause a student pilot to spend more money overall in training.
What Type of Medical Certification Should I Obtain?
There are three types of medical certificates issued by the FAA. Here’s a brief overview of them:
- First Class Medical Certificate: Required for pilots operating under the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. This is required for any pilot flying commercial airliners or for an aviation employer requiring this level medical certification. For pilots flying under ATP privileges, the first class medical must be renewed every 12 months for those under 40 years old. For pilots over 40, it must be renewed every 6 months.
- Second Class Medical Certificate: Required for pilots operating under a Commercial Pilot certificate and privileges, or under an ATP certificate with second-in-command (SIC) privileges in airline operations. Flying under second class medical privileges is valid for 12 months, regardless of age.
- Third Class Medical Certificate: Required for any Private Pilots, Recreational Pilots, Student Pilots, or Flight Instructors when acting as PIC or as a required crew member. This certificate is valid for 60 months for pilots under 40 and 24 months for those over 40.
- Basic Med: Although this isn’t a medical certification, it’s worth mentioning Basic Med here. This is available to pilots who have previously held at least a third class medical at some point after 7/14/2006 and would like to operate under third class privileges without holding a medical certificate. There are several requirements and restrictions to operate under Basic Med. More information can be found under 14 CFR Part 68, or Advisory Circular 68-1A.
How Much Does It Cost and Is It Covered by Insurance?
FAA medical exam fees are not regulated and vary by location and doctor. The average cost ranges $125-$160. If you’re seeking a first class medical and need an EKG during the exam, there will be an extra cost. Insurance doesn’t cover flight physicals, but AMEs are encouraged to keep their fees reasonable.
How do you schedule the FAA Medical Exam?
Step 1: Fill out the online application on the FAA’s MedXpress website. Be sure to note your Application Number. The examiner’s office will need it at your appointment. The application includes general information, medical history, and a self-assessment form.
Step 2: Locate a local AME. Pilots can search for doctors by location at www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator. Call to schedule the appointment. (Your CFI or flight school doesn’t handle this for you.) If you’re needing a first class medical, confirm the AME is certified to conduct that exam.
What is the FAA Medical Exam Like?
The exam is like a sports physical that you would undergo to get cleared to participate in school sports. There’s a little more to it and stricter standards to get cleared to fly as pilot-in-command, but the scope of the examination is similar.
The exam will last around 30 minutes. The doctor will take your blood pressure, check your vision, reflexes, respiration, and heart. You’ll also be asked any questions related to your medical history and medications you’ve been prescribed.
How Do You Prepare for the FAA Medical Exam?
The exam should be taken seriously, because if it’s deferred, it could be a lengthy process to get cleared.
Here are some ways to best prepare for the medical exam:
- Get an updated vision exam 1-2 months before your appointment, especially if you wear corrective lenses.
- Get plenty of sleep and arrive hydrated.
- You will provide a urine sample for analysis, so avoid foods high in sugar.
- Try to avoid any caffeine or stimulants the day of your exam.
- Wear or bring any corrective lenses, including reading glasses, even if you don’t wear them regularly.
- Try to avoid anything that could cause stress or anxiety the day of the exam. Stressful work meetings, hard workouts, and even flying to your AME’s location can cause higher than normal blood pressure readings.
Can I Fail the FAA Medical Exam?
There are three possible outcomes of the flight physical:
- Approved: The AME finds you physically and mentally fit to fly. You’ll be given your signed medical certificate at the end of the appointment.
- Denied: The AME found something in your current or past medical history that poses a medical risk to flying as pilot-in-command. A denial can be appealed with the FAA, so don’t lose hope!
- Deferred: There’s something in your application or exam that needs further examination or paperwork. It could be that you’re taking a medication that’s not approved and need to switch to an approved one. Once any additional exams and required paperwork are submitted, another appointment can be made to get approval and your certificate.
Overall, pilots should strive to stay fit and active. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and stress-reducing activities are steps you can take every day to pass your next FAA medical exam. Even when you have your medical certificate in hand, it’s a best practice to perform a self-assessment before every flight. For more information about fitness for flight, refer to Chapter 8 in the Aeronautical Information Manual.
By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI
Northstar Aviation References brings you the Pre-Tabbed ASA FAR/AIM, DIY tabs for your FAR/AIM and other pilot resources so that you can more easily study the regulations that form the foundation of your flying career or hobby. Have any questions? Check out our FAQs page or contact us. Check out other blog posts here.