Why do we need an aviation medical examiner to get an aviation medical certificate?

Aviation has many exciting opportunities for careers, travel options, and just fun. Most people start with a discovery flight or fly with a friend or family member that has an aircraft to see if becoming a pilot is a good fit. If so, the next step is to start learning to be a pilot, including both ground school and flight lessons with an instructor. Once the instructor decides a potential pilot is ready to fly on their own, which is called a “solo”, the pilot in training must have a medical certificate. Training with an instructor up until the solo does not require a medical certificate but flying without an instructor does.

Getting a medical certificate requires a visit to an Aviation Medical Examiner. It is important to understand the types of medical certificates and Aviation Medical Examiners before taking this step.  There are three types of medical certificates:  1st Class FAA Medical Certificate, 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate, and 3rd Class FAA Medical Certificate.  All Aviation Medical Examiners can issue 3rd Class FAA Medical Certificates; only Senior Aviation Medical Examiners can issue First or Second Class. I always recommend potential pilots apply for a 1st Class FAA Medical Certificate if they would ever consider flying for the airlines, even if they are unsure right now. This is because a Pilot in Command, often called a Captain, on an airline requires a First-Class medical certificate.  Second in Command on an airliner, often called First Officer, and other commercial pilots like freight pilots, require a Second Class. Finally, pilots who do not fly for hire can do so with a Third Class. Most Aviation Medical Examiners charge the same amount regardless of the examination class, so it makes sense to apply for the most pilot privileges possible.


Knowing what to expect at your aviation medical can help you be prepared and relaxed.  Prior to your visit, be sure to complete the application for your medical. This can be completed at medxpress.faa.gov.  First time users need to create an account and the password requirements are quite stringent so be sure to read them carefully and select a password accordingly. Be aware that the medical history questions ask if you have ever had any of the conditions, unlike the medical visits which only asks about the past three years. Don’t worry if you make a mistake on any of the questions, just let the medical examiner know during your visit. The examiner can make corrections to your application prior to submitting it to the FAA. Once you answer all the questions, the system will provide a confirmation number which you will also receive by email. The medical examiner will need this number at your visit so be sure to bring it with you.


Testing for an aviation medical certificate includes measurement of height, weight, blood pressure, pulse, and hearing. Urine will be tested for protein and sugar to make sure the kidneys are working properly and there are no signs of diabetes. A physical exam will also be performed by the examiner.

Vision will be tested as well, including distant, near, color, and, for people over 50, intermediate vision.  Understanding the requirements of the vision testing is particularly important. People who wear eyeglasses or contacts should be sure to wear or at least bring them to the visit. If you think your prescription needs to be updated, be sure to check and get the new glasses or contacts before your medical certification examination. If they are needed to meet the vision requirements, the medical certificate will simply state that lenses are required for flying. Color vision will also be tested and there are a number of different ways to meet the color vision requirement. If you think you might be color deficient, look for a medical examiner that has multiple methods of testing color vision.

If you meet all the requirements, the medical examiner will issue your Medical Certificate to you at the end of the visit.  Whether you are being issued a 1st Class FAA Medical Certificate, 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate, or a 3rd Class FAA Medical Certificate, be sure to review it carefully before leaving the examiner. Make sure your name, address, certificate class, and any restrictions are accurate. Let the examiner know if there are any errors because they can be corrected by the examiner and the certificate can be reprinted for you. Once the examiner submits the history and exam to the FAA, making changes requires FAA intervention which can be time consuming and challenging. Finally, remember the vertical marks on the medical certificate are only for folding, not for cutting.  Cutting on this line will render the certificate invalid.

If you have questions about obtaining an aviation medical certificate, please contact us at Aviation Medicine by phone (727) 648-2402, website www.flydocfl.com, or email aweinberg@medavex.org.
Location: Florida, USA

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