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YES! If you can provide documentation which demonstrates flight fitness, you can obtain a medical certificate under FAR 67.401.
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There is no minimum or maximum age required for an FAA medical. The minimum age for a student pilot certificate is typically 16. Those under the age of 16 can usually only obtain a medical certificate not the standard combination medical / student pilot certificate. If a student pilot is 15 and 1/2 a combination medical / student pilot certificate may be obtained via discretionary issuance from the aeromedical certification division.
The oldest active pilot with current medical certificate was Ralph Charles who held a current FAA medical at the age of 103.
Pilot Medical Solutions works with your AME but in most cases it is best to obtain CONFIDENTIAL advice prior to being evaluated by a physician. This can prevent unnecessary bureaucratic delays and may prevent permanent grounding. AME’s are obligated to forward all information he/she has knowledge of to the FAA in Oklahoma.
This is spelled out in the AME Guide and enforced by Title 18 U.S. Code. In addition, when issues arise and sufficient documentation is not provided, AME’s will usually defer your application to Oklahoma. This typically grounds the pilot for several months.
No one wants to share the pattern with an unfit pilot. We are not advocating giving false information to the FAA, but bureaucratic grounding is often an FAA administrative procedural requirement versus a safety issue. A classic example is the pilot who fails to bring sufficient documentation of his benign medical issue to his AME visit. This pilot will be grounded, not because he is unfit, but because he is unorganized. Pilot Medical Solutions confidentially reviews your medical conditions and establishes your FAA medical certificate eligibility BEFORE your FAA exam. If jeopardizing conditions exist, we work directly with your private physicians to obtain exactly what will be required for FAA approval.
YES! Often it is just a matter of submitting the correct information through the proper channels.
Once you have been denied you basically have two options:
(1) Provide sufficient evidence which indicates you do not have a disqualifying medical condition.
(2) Apply for a waiver (Special Issuance medical certification).
EITHER WAY PILOT MEDICAL SOLUTIONS CAN HELP!
It is best to provide the specialist with your objectives as soon as possible. This helps your physicians and enhances your chances for timely certification. Pilot Medical Solutions not only provides your physician with the actual protocols and parameters which must be met to obtain your medical, we include a detailed checklist and sample documents to assure compliance with all FAA criteria. A program designed to help you achieve the FAA’s required fitness levels may also be provided.
The conditions below are initially disqualifying. Many of these conditions still permit Special Issuance medical certification. Contact us to determine eligibility.
(1) Coronary heart disease
(2) Angina
(3) Myocardial infarction
(4) Heart replacement
(5) Cardiac valve replacement
(6) Permanent cardiac pacemakers
(7) Diabetes
(8) Psychosis
(9) Bipolar disorder
(10) Severe personality disorder
(11) Substance dependence or abuse
(12) Epilepsy
(13) Disturbance of consciousness (without satisfactory explanation)
(14) Transient loss of nervous system function
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How you fill out the FAA medical certificate application (Form 8500-8) is extremely important. Be certain of your answers and make sure you have all the necessary documentation for any health conditions the FAA deems significant.
Without proper documentation you may be grounded.
Contact Pilot Medical Solutions for a free consultation to assure your next medical certificate application is a success.
A visit to our office is not necessary. We work with pilots throughout the world. Pilot Medical Solutions manages your case via direct contact with your local physicians and the FAA.
Cardiovascular issues are decided on a case by case basis. You may wish to review the cardiovascular information on our website, or take our confidential practice test to establish your eligibility.
FAR 61.53 mandates you not fly as Pilot In Command or as an essential crew member if you develop a medical condition which prevents you from safely performing your flight duties. Until you wish to resume PIC or essential crew member duties, your condition does not need to be reported to the FAA.
A Third Class Medical certificate issued before the age of 40 is valid for 5 years or 60 calendar months. The duration of first-class medical certificate is one year. This term also applies to airmen who turn 40 during the time the medical is in effect.
After age 40, a First Class Certificate is valid for 6 calendar months, a Second Class Medical is valid for 12 calendar months and a third class medical certificate is valid for 2 years.
All certificates expire on the last day of the expiring month. *FAA Medical Expiration Chart
Pilot Medical Solutions has assisted many pilots with this delicate process. Revealing previously unreported medical conditions to the FAA does not automatically initiate adverse FAA action. More Information
There are two programs which allow limited flight operations without a medical: Sport Pilot and Basic Medical Rules permit some pilots to fly lightweight aircraft at restricted speeds and altitudes. Pilot Medical Solutions has helped several pilots to fly under these special rules. Contact Us to discuss your options.
