If you want to learn to fly, you have to have a FAA medical certificate. Acquiring a medical certificate is not too difficult. You do not have to get a medical certificate before you begin your training. It is only required once you are ready to fly the airplane solo – a highlight that comes more quickly than you might think. However you may want to visit the doctor early in your training if you suspect a problem in getting the certificate. It would be better not to be surprised the day before your first solo with a delay in the process.
This physical must be conducted by an FAA designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). You can ask your Flight Instructor about how to find an AME close to you, or you can call the Aerospace Medical Certification Division of the FAA in Oklahoma City at (405) 954-4821. If you are in good health, you should have no problem getting your medical certificate. At the exam, you will first be asked to fill out an FAA application and medical history form. The doctor will then check your vision, hearing, balance, nose and throat, and listen to your lungs. Finally, the doctor will determine that you do not have any mental or neurological problems such as alcoholism, epilepsy, psychosis, or a serious medical condition like chronic heart disease or diabetes mellitus.
The cost of the exam is not regulated by the FAA, but you can normally expect to pay between $75 and $100. The third class airman medical certificate, required for a private pilot certificate, is valid for three years for applicants younger than 40, and two years for those 40 and older. On a side note, a second class medical is required for a commercial pilot, and a first class medical is required for an airline transport pilot. It is possible for you to acquire a second or first class medical initially, but this is not recommended. These are more in depth medical exams (that you do not need). The last thing you want to happen is to apply for a first class medical and be medically denied. If you are denied a higher certificate, you won’t be able to get any certificate. So just get what you need to begin with.
If you happen to have an unusual medical condition (even a serious one); it is still possible for you to get a private pilot license. However you then would need to an AME to discuss your options (for instance, if you are colorblind you may not be allowed to fly at night, or you may have to wear corrective lenses if your vision isn’t great.)
Your medical certificate is also your student pilot certificate that is valid for two years while you work toward a private pilot certificate. Make sure you keep up with your certificate. Anyone acting as pilot-in-command (PIC) of an airplane must carry a current and appropriate medical certificate on each flight.
One more thing about medical certificates; make sure that you use an AME who has been recommended to you. I have had students who went to an unknown doctor who was great at medicine, but knew practically nothing about aviation (even though he was certified by the FAA.) Their paperwork got really messed up and the doctor made very unnecessary and lengthy delays in the process. Again, get a recommendation, anything is better than nothing.
About the Author - Matt Tanner is a certified flight instructor in the Atlanta, Georgia area. To learn the best way to learn to fly, visit matttanner.com or matttanner.com/aviationletter.htm
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