How long does a flight physical take?

The flight physical takes about 30 minutes and involves several steps, including: Checking your eyesight and hearing. Performing a complete physical examination of your body including your head, torso, and extremities. Checking your vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, and respiration.



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The FAA medical certificate disqualifying conditions include:
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  • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications.


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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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A routine part of the FAA medical exam is a urinalysis to check for sugar or protein, indicators of possible diabetes or kidney disease. Even as a commercial pilot participating in the DOT/FAA drug testing program, a drug test is done independent of an aviation medical examination.

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The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.

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The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.

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The FAA follows the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing regulations, and those regulations require testing for the following substances: marijuana, cocaine, opiates/opioids, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines (which includes methamphetamines and MDMA (“Ecstasy”)).

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The Second-Class Medical Certificate is required for pilots who operate aircraft for compensation or hire, such as those who work as commercial pilots. It is also required for pilots who operate aircraft with more than six passenger seats, turbojet-powered aircraft, or other aircraft specified by the FAA.

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