Understanding the FAA Medical Exam: What You Need to Know

If you're dreaming of taking to the skies, one of the first steps is to acquire the FAA medical exam certificate. This is a required examination to ensure that you're fit to fly, both physically and mentally. A medical certificate is needed to pursue flight training and to be employed within the aviation field. Orlando Florida has many qualified Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) and you can locate one near you using the FAA's AME Locator database. However, it is highly recommended, and most likely suggested by your AME, to fill out the online application portal at MedXPress before going to see the doctor.

Each medical certification requires that a pilot passes the vision, hearing, and medical health tests.

The vision test requires that an individual passes the FAA-regulated exam conducted by the AME. pilot’s distant vision be 20/20 or better, with or without correction (glasses or contacts are fine), in each eye separately. Nearsighted individuals who experience blurry vision when viewing distant objects are required to wear corrective lenses at all times during aviation duties. Individuals with farsighted vision who require reading glasses are required to have corrective lenses available during aviation duties.

According to FAA standards, for the hearing test, an individual must be able to hear an average conversational voice at a distance of 6 feet in a quiet room, using both ears, while facing away from the examiner. The individual may also, or alternatively, undergo pure tone audiometry as an alternative to the conversational voice test. These rules apply to all classes of certification. If a pilot needs hearing aids, the individual is required to wear them for the exam and at all times while operating an aircraft.

Overall the health exam is to physically check your basic vital functions such as pulse and blood pressure and an underline urinalayis test. This basic workup, along side the individuals medical history is used to check if the pilot is fit to operate an aircraft. Age does affect the kind of testing done, such as preforming an EKG test starting at age 35 and annually after age 40 (first-class only). Other specialized testing may be required to rule out any disqualifying conditions such as heart disease, mental health issues, or other serious health problems. Here is an overview of the general FAA Medical Exam requirements done by AMEs. Additional question and concerns should be discussed with your chosen Aviation Medical Examiner.

The Different Medical Classes and Their Uses

The FAA medical certificate is categorized into three classes, each with specific requirements based on the type of flying you plan to do. Important note: wearing glasses or contact lenses for pilot training is completely acceptable, as long as your corrected vision meets the necessary standards. Here's a breakdown of the different medical classes, what the exam involves, and what the process looks like.

Third-Class Medical Certificate:

A Third-Class Medical is most commonly required for Private Pilots who are flying for leisure or personal transportation. This certification allows you to fly as a private pilot or student pilot, without the pressures of commercial operations.

• Duration: For pilots under age 40, a Third-Class Medical is valid for 60 months (5 years). For those 40 and over, it is valid for 24 months (2 years).

Second-Class Medical Certificate:

This is required for Commercial Pilots who are not acting as pilot-in-command of an airline. This certificate ensures that the pilot is fit for commercial operations involved in flying for hire, such as aerial tour operators, crop dusters, or flight instructors.

• Duration: Valid for 12 months, regardless of age. After 12 months, it automatically converts to a Third-Class Medical Certificate unless renewed.

First-Class Medical Certificate:

This is the highest level of medical certification, this is required if you’re pursuing a career as a captain in an airline as an Airline Transportation Pilot (ATP) or for operations requiring a higher level of responsibility in commercial aviation.

• Duration: For pilots under age 40, a First-Class Medical is valid for 12 months. For those 40 and over, it's valid for 6 months, after which it downgrades to a Second-Class Medical if no re-exam is done.

What the FAA Medical Exam Process Consists Of

The FAA medical exam is designed to assess your overall health and ensure you meet the necessary standards to operate an aircraft safely. The exam is conducted by an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), who will evaluate several aspects of your health:

• Medical History Review: You’ll be asked to provide a detailed medical history, including any past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and any family medical history that could impact your ability to fly. This helps the AME understand your overall health and any potential risks.
• Vision Test: Your vision will be tested for both near and distant vision. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you’ll need to bring them along.
• Hearing Test: The AME will test your hearing ability to ensure you can communicate effectively.
• Physical Examination: The physical exam will include checking your vision, hearing, and overall physical health. The AME will assess your cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and other vital functions. You'll also undergo a general health check to ensure there are no conditions that could impair your ability to operate an aircraft safely.
• Urinalysis: A urine sample may be required to check for any underlying health issues, such as diabetes or kidney problems.
• Additional Tests: Depending on your medical history and initial findings, additional tests or evaluations might be required. This could include blood tests or consultations with specialists.

The FAA medical exam is a critical step in becoming a pilot. It’s designed to ensure that you’re in good health physically and mentally to be capable of handling the responsibilities of flying. By understanding what the exam entails and how it is conducted you can better prepare yourself for a successful aviation career. Whether you’re aiming for a private pilot license or a commercial career in aviation, passing the medical exam is the first milestone on your journey to the skies.

Feel free to contact Aero Global Aviation Academy to clarify any questions about obtaining a medical certificate or to further explain any of our flight programs for pilot students in Orlando.