It is not mandatory for you as a new flight student to have a valid, current medical certificate prior to beginning your flight training. It is, however a mandatory requirement that you have one prior to be eligible to receive an endorsement for, or conducting any solo flight operations.
It is strongly suggested that all students obtain their medical certificate very early in their flight training. This is suggested so that you do not end up wasting time or money if you are unable to obtain one a later time after completing many hours of flight training.
For solo flight privileges and operations and to obtain and exercise the privileges of a private pilot certificate a student needs:
- Hold at least a Third Class Medical Certificate
- First and Second Classes are also acceptable! (First Class if you plan to fly for the airlines in the future, second class if you plan to fly other commercial operations that you will be paid for)
How to Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
You can locate an Aviation Medical Examiner’s (AME) in your local area by visiting the FAA website: Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)
Once you have located an Aviation Medical Examiner’s (AME) and scheduled a date and time for your medical examination you will be advices to complete the FAA MedXPress form on the FAA website MedXPress https://medxpress.faa.gov prior to attending the medical exam.
MedXpress
MedXPress is an online application system used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the processing of medical certification applications for pilots and air traffic controllers. This system allows applicants to complete the necessary medical history portion of the application electronically before their medical examination with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The MedXpress system is designed to streamline the application process, reduce paperwork, and make it easier for aviation professionals to maintain their medical certification.
Accuracy and Honesty: It is crucial to provide accurate and honest information on the MedXPress application to avoid any issues with the certification process.
Preparation: Gather all necessary medical information, including details about any medications, medical conditions, and treatments, before starting the application.
Review: Double-check all information for accuracy before submitting the form.
Process for Using MedXPress:
- Create an Account: Applicants need to create an account on the MedXPress website. This involves providing some basic personal information.
- Complete the Application: Once the account is set up, applicants can fill out the medical history form. This includes information about medical conditions, medications, and other health-related questions.
- Receive Confirmation Number: After completing the form, applicants will receive a confirmation number. This number must be provided to the AME at the time of the medical examination.
Medical Examination
- An aviation exam, is a physical examination performed by an FAA-designated physician to determine if a person is fit to fly. The exam includes a review of medical history and a physical examination that assesses a person’s vision, hearing, and overall health.
- During the medical exam, the AME will access the applicant’s information using the confirmation number, review it, and conduct the necessary physical examination.
What the AME May Look at During Your FAA Medical Exam:
- Eyesight – Your near, intermediate, peripheral, far, and color vision will be tested.
- Hearing – According to FAA regulations, you must be able to acceptably understand speech and be able to hear a conversational voice in a quiet room at a distance of 6 feet away.
- Urinalysis – This is done to look for any indicators of diabetes and/or kidney disease.
- Nose, throat, balance – For safety reasons, pilots should not have any nose, throat, or equilibrium related health conditions that are aggravated by flying or would interfere with the ability to communicate effectively.
- Heart health – Depending on the type of medical certificate, there are some heart health concerns that could result in failure of the medical exam. First-Class Medical Certificate recipients, for example, cannot have a history of heart replacement or even replacement of cardiac valves.
- Mental and neurological health – The examiner will look for or ask about the history of such conditions as personality disorders, epilepsy, substance abuse, or any other condition that would interfere with your ability to safely and effectively do what is required of you.
- Physical exam – This may include questions about prior surgeries, doctor’s visits, and any medications you’re currently taking or have taken in the past.
- For more information on medical standards for each class of medical refer to CFR 14 §67
Certification Decision
- Based on the information provided in your MedXpress application and the results of the medical exam, the AME will make a determination about the applicant’s medical fitness for aviation duties.
If you have any questions about this process you should speak to your flight instructor or the ECAC dispatch office staff.