Guidance Regarding FAA Medical Certificates
Student pilots must undergo a medical examination and obtain at least a 3rd Class Medical Certificate as part of the flight training process. The FAA requires pilots to have this certificate prior to operating the aircraft in solo flight, which is a key event in pilot training.
- The FAA has some information regarding the medical certificate process at: https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/.
- The aviation medical exam confirms that there are no health-related issues that could impair pilot performance. Physical limitations could include vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, or reliance on medications that prevent full cognitive function. Not being able to pass the aviation medical exam and receive a 3rd Class Medical Certificate would disqualify a student from being able to solo an airplane and complete the training requirements.
- People interested in working toward Commercial Pilot or Air Transport Pilot certificates should consider scheduling a more thorough examination and obtaining a 1st or 2nd Class Medical Certificate, so they learn right away if any medical issues limit those career paths.
- FAA Medical Examinations must be done by a physician certificated as an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Most doctors have not obtained this certification, so your regular doctor will likely not be able to perform this exam. The FAA has lists of AMEs who can perform medical examinations on their website. Please be advised that the medical exam may take 3 weeks or more to schedule, so SCFC encourages student pilots to start the process as soon as possible.
- Applicants with special medical challenges are encouraged to seek out additional information regarding their condition and discuss the matter with an AME prior to taking the formal examination. AMEs typically are available for consultation appointments. Consultations should be completed and all concerns addressed before scheduling and taking the exam.
- Applicants must complete an online medical application with MedXpress, the FAA’s online medical system (https://medxpress.faa.gov/medxpress/), before the exam. The application requires full disclosure of all medical issues related to the applicant, and should include a full listing of prescribed medications. If you have questions or concerns about medication use, you are advised to consult with an AME before filling out the application and beginning the formal exam.
- Once obtained, the student’s FAA Medical Certificate should be scanned and presented to the SCFC front desk to have it added to your training records.
