How to get your Pilot Medical Certificate

Before you begin flight training or ground training you do not need a medical certificate. However, you DO need one before you first solo an aircraft. This typically happens anywhere from 10 to 20 dual flight hours into your flight training. So if you chose to follow our recommendation and start with your ground training you have some time before you will need your medical certificate. 

However, it is a great idea to start thinking about your medical certificate because it could save you from a headache later. This is especially true if you have a medical condition that you live with. Depending on what you want to do with your flying career and what pilot ratings you are seeking, you will need a different medical certificate. Before we discuss how to get your pilot medical certificate let's review these first:

• For a Sport Pilot certificate
• No medical certificate required. US Driver's License is required
• For a Recreational Pilot certificate
• 3rd Class Medical Certificate required
• For a Private Pilot certificate
• 3rd Class Medical Certificate required
• For an IFR certificate
• 3rd Class Medical Certificate required
• For a Commercial certificate
• 2nd Class Medical Certificate required
• For a Flight Instructor certificate
• 3rd Class Medical Certificate required
• For an Airline Transport certificate
• 1st Class Medical Certificate required

As you can see, the more advanced rating you go for the more advanced or stringent medical certificate you will need. A US Driver's License is technically the easiest medical requirements to meet and the reason many aspiring pilots with medical issues opt for a Sport Pilot Certificate. A 3rd class medical applicant must meet more requires, a 2nd class applicant even more and a 1st class applicant the most. Makes sense.

From here on out in this article we are going to focus on the 3rd Class Medical Certificate. If you are planning to go all the way from Private to IFR to Commercial to Airline and are in good health, you can just go straight for the 1st Class Certificate. Just make sure you consult with your doctor and Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) before you take the actual exam. You want to avoid any and all mishaps that could lead to a denial or deferral.

What Disqualifies you from a 3rd Class Medical Certificate

There are many disqualifying medical conditions that the FAA will still allow after a review process that determines you are able to adequately control the condition. If you are someone with one of these conditions then now is a great time to get the ball rolling on getting the proper reviews underway.

Here are the disqualifying conditions listed by the FAA:

• Angina pectoris
• Bipolar disease
• Cardiac valve replacement
• Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant
• Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications
• Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory explanation of cause
• Epilepsy
• Heart replacement
• Myocardial infarction
• Permanent cardiac pacemaker
• Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts
• Psychosis
• Substance abuse
• Substance dependence
• Transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory explanation of cause
• Must not suffer from any ear, nose, or throat condition that interferes with, or could be aggravated by flying, including the interference of clear communication, or is manifested by vertigo or disturbance of equilibrium
• Unless there is established clinical evidence of recovery, including abstinence of at least 2 years, a diagnosis or medical history of substance abuse is disqualifying

There are other conditions not specifically listed in the regulations that are also disqualifying. If you think you may have one you should read through the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.

On top of not having the above conditions you will need to show some other attributes of health during your medical exam such as:

• Distance Vision must be correctable to 20/40 in each eye
• Near Vision must be correctable to 20/40 or better in each eye, as measured at 16 inches
• Color Vision - must have the ability to perceive those colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties. 
• Hearing - must be able to demonstrate hearing of an average conversational voice in a quiet room using both ears at 6 ft, with the back turned to the examiner.

Possible Results of a 3rd Class Medical Certificate

The medical exam will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour and will include a urine test. However, the urine test will test for protein and sugar levels and will not test for drugs. The medical exam should cost anywhere from $75 to $300 depending on the aviation medical examiner's fees. There are 3 possible outcomes of your medical exam:

• Pass/Issued
• Here you pass your exam and you leave the exam with a 3rd class medical certificate in-hand
• Denied
• If you have any of the conditions listed above or cannot meet the vision or hearing requirements then the examiner may issue you a Denial
• This denial will be forwarded to the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division which will then issue you a formal denial letter.
• Denials are not necessarily permanent if the pilot can present information that the disqualifying condition has been resolved or is being treated in an aero medically safe manner then the FAA may reinstate the certificate
• Deferral
• The last outcome is a deferral where the examiner notes a medical condition that is questionable and rather than give you a denial, they defer you to the Regional Flight Surgeon or the Aeromedical Certification Division. 
• Deferrals can take over 2 months to get a response from the FAA so this is why it is a good idea to get started on your medical certificate as soon as possible
• Usually the FAA will ask for additional information and if no information is received within 30 days they deny your application. You can call the FAA to ask for an extension on this 30 days however

Steps to take for your 3rd Class Medical Exam

With all that in mind let's summarize the steps you should take not for your 3rd class medical certificate:

1. If you believe you have no issues with any of the listed conditions then go ahead and schedule your medical exam.

• First you will need to make an account on the FAA's MedXpress website here. Simply click "Request an Account" and fill out your personal information to create an account
• Next, find an AME and give them a call to schedule your exam near you. You can find an AME near you here.
• Bring with you a valid form of identification with you to the exam. FAA valid IDs can be seen here

2. If you think you might have any condition that could hinder your ability to pass the exam in any way:

• First you will need to make an account on the FAA's MedXpress website here. Simply click "Request an Account" and fill out your personal information to create an account
• Visit your normal, primary doctor to get up to date on your condition. Ask for medical records that you can have in case you need to send them to the FAA
• Establish a relationship with an AME and describe to them your condition 
• Ask if this will be an issue or a possible denial/deferral
• Ask if there is anything you can do before you take the exam (medication, surgery, etc.)
• DO NOT take your medical exam if you are not medically qualified because a deferral or denial will cause you months of pain. Instead, work with your primary doctor and AME to get yourself into a situation where your condition is managed as best as possible
• Once you have done all you can to best prepare yourself for the exam, schedule it by finding an AME near you with this FAA tool
• Bring appropriate documentation with you that may better explain your condition as well as your proof of identity, and a valid photo ID. FAA valid IDs can be seen here
• Be sure to bring glasses, contacts, or hearing aids if they make your site or hearing better

Depending on your age, there are different requirements for how long the certificate is good for. If you are less than 40 years old, your medical certificate is good for 60 calendar months (5 years). If you are 40 years or older, your medical certificate is good for 24 calendar months (2 years). It is imperative that you never lose it and that you keep it on you during all flights.