How hard is it to get a FAA medical?

You must contact an AME of your choosing, schedule an appointment, complete an official FAA application form via MedXPress, and undergo a physical examination by an AME. If you meet the appropriate medical standards, the AME will issue you a medical certificate.



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Most people pass the aviation medical exam without a problem. Pilots with certain medical conditions may require a special issuance medical certificate, which means that the doctor must submit your application to the FAA for review.

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If a request for special issuance certification is denied by the FAA, the only recourse available to the applicant is to later make another request for special issuance status to the FAA, supported by evidence showing sustained medical stability or improvement.

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BasicMed is an alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements. Print off a FAA Form 8700-2; BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist ( CMEC ) and get your physical exam with a state-licensed physician.

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Unless otherwise directed by the FAA, the Examiner must deny or defer if the applicant has a history of: (1) Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medication; (2) Angina pectoris; (3) Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant; (4) Myocardial ...

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Yes. Section 67.409 under 14 CFR sets forth the appeal process within the FAA for applicants who are denied medical certification.

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The FAA medical exam can typically cost anywhere between $100-$180 depending on your medical examiner. Rates are established by each practicing physician and not by the FAA.

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In 2021, FAA data showed that 78% of all PPL pilots passed on their first attempt. In that same year, 79.5% of pilots passed their commercial pilot checkride, and the pass rate for CFI checkrides was 77.9%. Although these numbers are high, it is evident that many pilots failed on the first try.

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Yes, some airline pilots do carry guns in the cockpit but carry a gun lawfully they must belong to a special program called the Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDOs). This program requires special training and pilots who enroll have strict limitations on when they can use the firearm.

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How long is an FAA Medical valid? 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.

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The Airman Medical Certificate is obtained after completion of a satisfactory physical exam conducted by an Aviation Medical Examiner, or AME. The AME tests vision, hearing, general health, and cardiovascular health.

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It varies from airline to airline as far as leave policies but if you lose your medical you will be placed on “medical leave”, that's pretty much standard throughout. The difference is how much you'll get paid. The good thing is you will retain your seniority and return where your are position and pay wise.

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