The FAA Medical Exam: Common Questions
How Do I Apply for an FAA Medical Certificate?
The FAA uses an online system called MedXPress to collect your medical history before you ever set foot in an examiner’s office. Completing it in advance keeps your appointment focused on the physical exam itself.
Step 1 — Create a MedXPress account. Visit myMedXPress and fill out FAA Form 8500-8 (Application for Medical Certification) electronically. The system walks you through your personal information, medical history, and medication use. Once you submit the form, you’ll receive a confirmation number; write it down or print it out, because your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) will need it at your appointment.
Step 2 — Find and schedule with an AME. Use the FAA AME locator to search for a certified Aviation Medical Examiner near you. When choosing an AME, consider selecting one who conducts a high volume of FAA exams and is well-versed in the certification process. An experienced AME can answer questions on the spot and help reduce delays if anything unexpected comes up.
Step 3 — The appointment. A typical FAA medical exam takes about 30 minutes. The AME will check your vitals (height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure) then move on to vision testing, which covers distance acuity, near acuity, and color vision. Your hearing will be assessed with a conversational voice test at six feet. A urinalysis is required for all certificate classes. The AME will also perform a general physical examination covering your eyes, ears, heart, lungs, abdomen, neurological function, and musculoskeletal system. If you are a first-class applicant age 35 or older, an EKG is required at your initial exam and then annually beginning at age 40.
Step 4 — Receive your certificate. If the AME determines you meet all applicable standards, they will issue your medical certificate on the spot. The overwhelming majority of applicants walk out of the office with their certificate that same day.
Tips to Prepare for Your FAA Medical Exam
- Complete MedXPress before your appointment. Bring your confirmation number; the AME cannot begin the exam without it.
- Bring all corrective lenses you use — glasses and contacts. If you wear contacts, bring a case to remove them, as the AME will test uncorrected vision as well. Bring hearing aids if applicable; you can still pass if you meet the conversational voice standard while wearing them.
- Avoid caffeine, tobacco, and stimulant medications on exam day, particularly if an EKG is required. These can produce transient abnormalities on the reading that may trigger additional review.
- Avoid high-sugar meals before your exam. A urinalysis is required at every exam. Elevated glucose can flag a diabetes concern and cause a delay.
- Bring documentation for any medical conditions or events since your last exam: hospital discharge summaries, surgical notes, and a treating physician’s note stating you have returned to full activity. Omitting known conditions from your application is a more serious problem than disclosing them.
- List all medications, prescription and over-the-counter, on Form 8500-8. If you’re reporting a medication for the first time, include a note that you have experienced no side effects.
- Schedule early in your renewal month. If the AME needs additional documentation, you’ll have time to gather it before your certificate lapses.
How Do I Find an Aviation Medical Examiner?
Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) are physicians designated by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 67 to conduct the medical certification exams required for all pilot certificates. Use the FAA AME locator at designee.faa.gov to find a certified examiner near you. Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) has been successfully training pilots from all over the world for over 50 years. Embarking on a journey at a new school can sometimes be an overwhelming experience. PEA is a community, eager to help set their students up for success. Therefore, pilots who are looking to take flight with PEA, will have the help of their Student Service department to locate an AME. However, for international students planning to fly with PEA and concerned about obtaining their medical once arriving in the United States, can find a local AME in their home country before arriving.
Which Type of Aviation Medical Certificate Should I Get?
There are three classes of FAA medical certificate (First, Second, and Third), each corresponding to the level of flying privilege the pilot holds. Student, sport, or private pilots must hold at least a third class medical. Commercial pilots are mandated to obtain a second class certificate, while it is imperative that airline pilots maintain the highest level of medical: a first class certificate. Let’s take a closer look and break down the three types of aviation medical certificates.
- First Class: The First Class medical is the highest level of medical certification, applicable to pilots who hold an Airport Transport License (ATP) or those whose employers require first medical standards. For individuals under 40 years old, they must renew their First Class medical every 12 months. However, those 40 years of age or older, require a renewal every 6 months. This is to ensure the medical fitness requirements are being consistently met. Phoenix East Aviation ensures to schedule AME appointments for first-class medicals for their students.
- Second Class: A Second Class medical is required for pilots who fly most commercial operations, such as crop dusting, cargo transportation, passenger charter flights, or any other commercial roles. For commercial pilots, it is imperative to hold a valid Second Class medical in order to retain operational privileges. A Second Class medical has a mandatory 12-month renewal period, regardless of the pilot’s age.
- Third Class: A Third Class medical is the least restrictive level of medical certification, and is the prerequisite to begin flight training. In order to begin flight training and/or logging any flight hours, this medical certificate must be obtained. A Third Class medical certificate is valid for 60 months (5 years) for pilots under 40, and 24 months for pilots who are 40 or older. Whether an individual aims to become an airline pilot or prefers flying as a hobby, it is imperative that they hold a third-class medical certificate.
How Much Does it Cost to Obtain an Aviation Medical Certificate?
The FAA does not set AME fees, so costs vary by examiner and region. As a general guide: a Third Class exam typically runs $100–$160; First and Second Class exams typically run $150–$200 or more given the additional standards involved. First Class applicants who require an EKG (age 35+ at first exam, annually from age 40) can expect an additional $50–$75 for that test. Insurance does not cover FAA medical exams.
What are the Health Standards Needed to Pass?
FAA medical standards cover vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, mental health, and neurological function. The specific thresholds vary by certificate class and are defined in 14 CFR Part 67. The table below shows the key standards for each class.
The standards are outlined in detail in the “Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners Synopsis of Medical Standards: Summary of Medical Standards”.
| Medical Certificate Pilot Type | First-Class Airline Transport Pilot | Second-Class Commercial Pilot | Third-Class Private Pilot | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distant Vision | 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction. | 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Near Vision | 20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction, as measured at 16 inches. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Intermediate Vision | 20/40 or better in each eye separately (Snellen equivalent), with or without correction at age 50 and over, as measured at 32 inches. | No requirement. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Color Vision | Ability to perceive those colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hearing | Demonstrate hearing of an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using both ears at 6 feet, with the back turned to the examiner or pass one of the audiometric tests below. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Audiology | Audiometric speech discrimination test: Score at least 70% reception in one ear at an intensity of no greater than 65 dB. Pure tone audiometric test. Unaided, with thresholds no worse than:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ent | No ear disease or condition manifested by, or that may reasonably be expected to maintained by, vertigo or a disturbance of speech or equilibrium. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pulse | Not disqualifying per se. Used to determine cardiac system status and responsiveness. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blood Pressure | No specified values stated in the standards. The current guideline maximum value is 155/95. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) | At age 35 and annually after age 40 (first-class only) | Not routinely required. (second- and third-class only) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Mental | No diagnosis of psychosis, or bipolar disorder, or severe personality disorders. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Substance Dependence and Substance Abuse | A diagnosis or medical history of substance dependence is disqualifying unless there is established clinical evidence, satisfactory to the Federal Air Surgeon, of recovery, including sustained total abstinence from the substance(s) for not less than the preceding 2 years. A history of substance abuse within the preceding 2 years is disqualifying. Substance includes alcohol and other drugs (i.e., PCP, sedatives and hypnotics, anxiolytics, marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, hallucinogens, and other psychoactive drugs or chemicals). | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Disqualifying Conditions | Unless otherwise directed by the FAA, the Examiner must deny or defer if the applicant has a history of: (1) Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medication; (2) Angina pectoris; (3) Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant; (4) Myocardial infarction; (5) Cardiac valve replacement; (6) Permanent cardiac pacemaker; (7) Heart replacement; (8) Psychosis; (9) Bipolar disorder; (10) Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts; (11) Substance dependence; (12) Substance abuse; (13) Epilepsy; (14) Disturbance of consciousness and without satisfactory explanation of cause, and (15) Transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory explanation of cause. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Please note: depending on specific circumstances a pilot has, or any pre-existing medical conditions, additional evaluations or tests may be required. The primary goal of these medical standards is to ensure the safety of pilots, passengers, and the general public. By meeting the requirements, the dream of becoming a pilot is one step closer to taking off!
What Happens if I Fail?
Most applicants — more than 95% — leave their AME appointment with a certificate in hand. When a question arises about your history, there are three possible outcomes:
- Issued: the AME is satisfied and issues the certificate on the spot. This is the expected outcome for the overwhelming majority of applicants.
- Deferred: the AME identifies a condition that requires FAA review before a decision can be made. The application is forwarded to the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division. The pilot may continue flying on a current valid certificate until it lapses. Deferrals are common and not permanent — the FAA ultimately certifies 96% of deferred applicants. Expect a response within 60 days; if additional records are requested, submit them promptly to avoid further delay.
- Denied: the AME issues a formal denial. Denials are rare and often reversible once a disqualifying condition resolves or is brought under control. Pilots with a denied application should consult an aviation attorney or contact AOPA’s Pilot Protection Services before taking further action.
Many conditions that appear disqualifying can be managed through a Special Issuance authorization or through CACI — Conditions an AME Can Issue — a program that allows the AME to certify pilots with certain specified conditions directly, without referring to the FAA, provided the pilot brings the required documentation. A list of CACI conditions and their worksheet requirements is available in the FAA AME Guide.
PEA has proudly selected MzeroA as their exclusive ground school provider for its Part 141 flight training courses. Jason Schappert, founder of MzeroA, has many instructional and educational videos for future and current pilots. “A Good pilot is always learning,” and with the educational videos MzeroA provides, the FREE content is only a glimpse at how informative and comprehensive the complete programs are. Learn more about the FAA Medical exams with the MzeroA video below.
It is important to Phoenix East Aviation that everyone who walks through their doors to begin flight training has a seamless admission process. PEA’s esteemed Admissions Officers and Student Services are here to help! Are you interested in learning more about how to make your pilot dreams take off? Contact us at info2@pea.com to get in touch with us or with any questions.
Pass Your FAA Medical Exam With Flying Colors With PEA
At Phoenix East Aviation, our esteemed Admissions Officers and Student Services are here to help with arranging your FAA medical. It is important to us that everyone who begins flight training with us has a seamless admission process.
Interested in learning more about how to make your pilot dreams take off? Contact us at info2@pea.com to get in touch with any specific questions.
