How to Pass Your Next FAA Medical Exam
- Is he/she a pilot? YES / NO
- Does he/she perform more than 25 exams per year? YES / NO
- Is he/she a member of at least one of the following organizations: The Civil Aviation Medical Association, The Aerospace Medical Association, The Experimental Aircraft Association, or The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association? YES / NO
- If he/she discovers a medical problem, will he/she hold your exam for the allowed 2 weeks in order for your condition to be evaluated by your private physician? YES / NO
- Will he/she contact the FAA in Oklahoma to obtain special authorization if it will help you? YES / NO
If you answered “NO” to more than one question, you may want to find a new AME.
Before Your FAA Medical Examination
- Get plenty of rest SLEEP HYGIENE
- Drink plenty of water the day of the exam.
- Avoid foods/beverages with caffeine, sodium or carbohydrates/sugar at least 8 hrs prior to the exam.
- Avoid eating at least 4 hrs prior to the exam.
Vision Testing
- Bring glasses/contacts to examination.
- Color Vision should be pre-tested to assure success. TAKE PRE-TEST
- Distant Vision should be pre-tested to assure success. TAKE PRE-TEST
- Near Vision should be pre-tested to assure success. TAKE PRE-TEST
Blood Pressure
- Blood Pressure should be pre-tested by your private physician to assure success.
- Values below 140/90 are preferred. Readings above 155/95 preclude certification. Most blood pressure medications are approved. SEE MEDICATION LIST. MORE BLOOD PRESSURE INFO
- When B.P. is tested at the AME’s office, tell the nurse/physician you want to sit without talking for a few minutes before the test.
Hearing
- Can you hear a soft voice at 6 feet? If not, get a hearing evaluation from a private physician to establish the loss and the need for a hearing amplification. Most pilots with minor hearing loss are permitted to use a headset as “amplification”. CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO
- If your AME uses audiometric equipment, you should be pre-tested to assure success. TAKE PRE-TEST
Electrocardiogram
- Your EKG should be pre-tested by your private physician to discover any abnormalities. Don’t let your private physician dismiss “minor” variants of normal. If ANYTHING is discovered, you should complete an evaluation and obtain documentation of the issue/condition. CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY
Doctor visits since your last medical or in the last 3 years
- If you have been to the doctor for anything other than routine check-ups or general counseling, you should bring documentation to the FAA examination. In many cases additional information from your specialist is required. CONTACT US TO ESTABLISH YOUR ELIGIBILITY
Alcohol & Substance Issues
- Alcohol and Substance Issues require extensive paperwork. Contact Us prior to your exam MORE ON ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE ISSUES
Surgeries, procedures, new conditions or medications
- If your medications or medical condition has changed since your last exam, you should bring documentation to your FAA examination. FAA APPROVED MEDICATIONS
Conditions which require Special Issuance / Waiver
- If you have a condition which has or will require Special Issuance, you should obtain FAA documentation of pre-approval through Pilot Medical Solutions.
Vitamins, herbal preparations and food supplements
- Some herbal preparations can jeopardize your FAA medical examination. Contact Pilot Medical Solutions for specific advice. MORE ON HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS
Not sure about lab work or other examination requirements?
All parameters evaluated during an FAA examination can be pre-tested privately to assure compliance. Contact Pilot Medical Solutions for specific advice.
After completing this checklist,
contact Pilot Medical Solutions at 405-787-0303
for a free confidential consultation.
