As you might expect, becoming a pilot comes with strict standards that must be met before you can pursue your dream. Do you need an FAA medical certificate to be cleared for take-off?

An FAA medical verifies that you are medically fit enough to keep yourself and (everyone else onboard) safe, so here is everything you need to know about this important aviation medical, along with top tips from the experts on how to pass your upcoming exam. 

Who needs to attend the FAA medical exam? 

All pilots operating within the jurisdiction of the US, or working for a US airline, will need to hold a valid FAA certificate. 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) offers the following classes of medicals, each of which has its own eligibility criteria: 

• Class 1: For airline transport pilots (ATPs) who are the pilot-in-command or captain of an American airline aircraft. 
• Class 2: For all commercial pilots who are engaged in commercial operations. 
• Class 3: For private pilots and recreational pilots who operate non-commercial aircraft. 

And since the primary responsibilities of a pilot remain the same regardless of role, the health requirements and medical checks for these different classes are very similar. 

Let’s explore this in more detail below. 

What is included in the FAA exam? 

As the highest classes, the Class 1 and 2 exams both have the most standards to meet, whilst the Class 3 exam has slightly different requirements (e.g., not requiring pilots to have their intermediate vision checked or an ECG). 

If you are attending your initial medical soon, or you want to refresh your memory before your appointment, then here is an overview of what to expect: 

1. An eye exam

You will be required to have distant vision of at least 20/20 in each eye (20/40 if you are attending a Class 3 exam), and near vision of at least 20/40 in each eye. These standards must be met with or without correction, and you must also have intermediate vision of at least 20/40 in each eye from the age of 50. 

All first-time applicants for any FAA medical are also required to undergo colour vision testing (this is a one-off requirement and you will not need to pass a color vision test at your renewal examinations). 

2. Hearing checks

This is assessed through either an audiometric speech discrimination test (in which you will need to score at least 70% reception in one ear) or by demonstrating your ability to hear your examiner’s voice from a distance of 6 feet, with your back turned. 

The examiner will also need to make sure that you do not have an ear disease, such as vertigo, that could impact your balance, and will conduct an ENT evaluation. 

3. A blood pressure reading

The maximum blood pressure value allowed by FAA standards is 155/95. Your aviation medical examiner (AME) will also take your pulse as this is an indication of your cardiac system’s overall health and responsiveness, and assess your lungs and heart with a stethoscope.

All Class 1 pilots will also need to undergo an electrocardiogram (ECG) once they turn 35, and then annually from the age of 40 (as we have already mentioned, this does not apply to Class 2 and Class 3 pilots). 

4. Reflex testing

Reflex and strength testing is done as standard to evaluate your musculoskeletal system, including your spine and both your upper and lower extremities. 

5. A discussion with your AME

In addition to these medical tests, your medical examiner will also ask you to confirm that you do not have a diagnosis of: 

• Psychosis
• Bipolar disorder
• Severe personality disorders
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Or substance dependence (evidence of substance abuse of any kind within the 2 years before the examination classes as a disqualifying condition). 

How to pass the FAA exam

The following should be done before your examination to give you the best chance of passing this important aviation medical exam. 

1. Complete an application form

Before you can book your appointment, you will first need to create an account with MedXPress and submit your application for an FAA medical through them. 

Your examination will then need to be done within 60 days of submitting your application so book your appointment as soon as you receive confirmation, and save a copy of this for both your AME and for future reference. 

2. Be aware of any disqualifying conditions

The FAA’s standards are high, and there are conditions (including the ones we have already discussed) that will prevent you from passing your medical if they are found during your physical examination. 

It is best to know if you have any (or have had) of these conditions in advance of your appointment so that you are prepared to discuss them and the impact they will have on your career with your AME:

• Type 2 diabetes. 
• Angina pectoris. 
• Coronary heart disease (including treated, symptomatic, or clinically significant). 
• A heart attack or replacement (including a cardiac valve replacement or permanent cardiac pacemaker). 
• Loss of control of nervous system functions, or disturbance of consciousness, both without satisfactory cause. 

If you do not meet the medical standards required to pass, then you may still be eligible for the Special Issuance medical certificate. Your FAA aviation medical examiner​ will be able to confirm whether this is the next step for you and also provide you with more information on how to obtain certification through the Special Issuance provision. 

3. Know what to bring with you

Gather the following documents and details and have them ready to pass on to your examiner: 

• A printout of your MedXPress application confirmation (your AME will need your MedXPress confirmation number). 
• Proof of age and identity (some AeMC’s only accept passports). 
• Glasses or corrective lenses, if applicable. 
• A printout of your GP summary medical history, which is available via written request to your GP. 
• Any historical medical reports. 

You should also come to your examination ready to discuss your medical history, current prescriptions, and any visits made to health professionals within the last 3 years.

Renewing your FAA medical this spring

Now you’ve familiarised yourself with this important medical, it’s time to arrange your initial or renewal appointment with an FAA-approved AME. 

Heathrow Medical offers all 3 FAA medical classes at their London AeMC, so click here to renew your certificate within the required timeframe and maintain your operational status for another year. 

They also offer CAME (Canadian Association for Medical Education) medicals, in accordance with the requirements of Transport Canada, for pilots operating in and around Canada.

TIME BUSINESS NEWS