How to Pass a Pilot's Medical Exam

FAA certified pilots are required to pass an aviation medical exam or flight physical routinely every 6, 12, 24 or 36 months depending on the class of medical they are applying for. Each class medical allows for a different level of duties and responsibilities. For example, an airline pilot exercising the privileges of her certificate requires a 1st class medical and must renew it every 6 months. A private pilot under age 40 flying recreationally only requires a 3rd class medical and it must be renewed every 36 months.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. FAA physicals are conducted by an AME, medical doctor who is also an Aviation Medical Examiner. The AME will determine whether you meet the standards required by the FAA to safely perform the duties required by the level of pilot certificate you hold. Establishing a relationship with your AME is quite helpful when trying to pass the exam. A doctor who knows your medical history and you personally is more likely to be accommodating to your schedule and will most likely keep an accurate record of your previous FAA physicals. They will also be more knowledgeable about any conditions or medications that you may be taking.

2. Good health is essential to pass the exam. Do not try to prepare for a flight physical a week before the exam. Try to establish basic healthy lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, eating healthfully, and cutting out excessive drinking. Go the extra mile to protect your hearing and vision. Wear protective sunglasses frequently and wear a noise canceling headset while flying.

3. If you know you have a condition that may disqualify you for obtaining your medical certificate, do not take the exam. Call the FAA to anonymously ask about your condition to determine whether it is disqualifying. If it is, postpone your exam until the condition can be fixed. Being denied an FAA medical is a very bright red flag to potential employers and also to future AMEs. Its better to let your current medical expire than to try to obtain one and get denied.

4. If you wear hearing aids, contact lenses or glasses bring them with you to the exam. Bring your current pilot certificates along with the names of any medication that you are taking.

5. The FAA medical exam is a standard exam that should always consist of the same tests and standards for acceptance. This information can be found on the FAA website. At a minimum, you will have a hearing and vision test to include a color vision test. You will also have a basic test of your lungs and breathing, balance, and blood pressure. An electrocardiogram, or EKG is required above the age of 35.

Tips & Warnings

• Student pilots obtaining a medical should be sure to notify their examiner to combine the student pilot certificate with their new medical certificate.

Resources

• AME Locator
• FAA Medical Information

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.

[carolgb]

on 7/27/2009 An EKG is NOT required for a 3rd class physical "above age 35" - at my last visit to the AME I was 42 and was not required to take an EKG.

Of course, the requirements for, say, airline pilots are different than for private pilots.