Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Medical Exams
aBOUT FAA
As a part of its role of ensuring flight safety one of the roles of the FAA is to regulate and certify the medical fitness of personnel involved in aviation duties. Pilots and other personnel need to have a valid medical certificate to exercise the privileges of their FAA License.
FAA issues regulations and guidelines governing the issue of certificates of medical fitness for FAA licensed individuals which includes Pilots (Airline, Commercial, Private, Balloon, Student and Sports Pilots) and Air Traffic Controllers.
FAA authorises Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) to conduct medical examinations.
In addition, it audits and evaluates the medical examinations conducted to ensure the medical examinations are conducted in accordance with the laid down guidelines and to ensure flight safety.
In cases of doubtful medical fitness, the final decision is taken by the Aerospace Medical Certification Division( AMCD) of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Note: FAA does not specifically prescribe any medical standards for Cabin Crew.They are required to furnish a Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency from the Director of Operations of the Airline.
FAA Medical Certificates
| Class of Medical | License Type |
|---|---|
1st Class | Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) |
2nd Class | Commercial Pilot License(CPL) Balloon Pilot License Air Traffic Controller License - Not FAA Employees |
3rd Class | Private Pilot License (PPL) Recreational Pilot |
Content of Medical examinations
The tests and examination required to be conducted are laid down by FAA based on the stage of certification (Initial Issue vs Renewal), Class of medical certificate, age of the individual, and presence or absence of co-morbidities like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney stones, etc. Also, depending upon the findings during the examination, additional tests may be required.
More information about the tests required and medical standards can be found on the FAA Pilots Website.
Frequently asked Questions about the examinations
For further question please seen the Q&A section of our website : Q & A
If you have any questions that have not been answered in the Q&A, please contact us at : Contact Us
How to Register For an FAA Medical examination
To start the process for a FAA Medical examination you need to visit the FAA MedXpress Portal, Register and fill up an application for the appropriate class and type of examination. All you need is an email ID.
MedXPress is designed to expedite the processing of a pilot's request for certification and reduce the waiting time at the AME's office.
Once you have completed the Registration and Application including the history, upon successful completion of your application you will receive a 12 digit CONFIRMATION NUMBER.
You need to take this confirmation number to the AME when you go for your Medical Exam.
You need to present this Confirmation Number to the AME / Medical Exam Centre for them to be able to access your records and conduct your medical examination.
You can access the FAA MedXpress Web Application here : FAA MedXpress
MedXpress Help is available at : MedXpress Help
You can find more information about the application process here : FAA - Medical Certification - Get a Medical Certificate