FAA Flight Physicals

A pilot must meet minimum safety standards in terms of physical and mental condition as determined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). When a designated physician determines that the pilot meets the standards for a successful flight physical, the pilot is issued a medical certificate identifying that individual as meeting those specific standards.

FAA medical certificate requirements

The FAA has mandated the physical and psychological standards that must be met prior to granting certification for individuals acting as pilot in command or serving as required crew members of any type of aircraft, including student pilots. Certain FAA employees such as air traffic controllers must hold a valid Airman Medical Certificate. Some employers, including businesses not engaged in aviation, require their employees to meet FAA flight physical standards (for example, certain types of maritime operators).

Barring any changes in a pilot's medical status, each class of examination has a specific expiration date as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR part 61.23). The validity of each exam class is based on a calendar month. For example, if a pilot is evaluated for a Second-Class Medical Certificate on July 4, 2009, then the certificate would expire on July 31, 2010.

Three Classes

There are three classes of FAA medical certificates, each with a more restrictive set of physical standards. Any pilot may apply for any class of medical certification, but most pilots apply for the class most applicable to their flying activity.

Class I examination is typically reserved for scheduled commercial airline transport pilots.

Class II examination is required for commercial pilots, including corporate aviators, crop dusters, aeromedical pilots, charter pilots, or navigators and first officers of commercial airline flights.

Class III examinations are used for recreational or private pilots.

Length of certification

Class I: 6 calendar months if older than age 40 at the time of evaluation; 12 months if younger than age 40

Class II: 12 calendar months

Class III: 60 months if younger than age 40 at the time of evaluation; 24 months if age 40 or older at the time of evaluation

Applying for a FAA medical certificate

Pilots should complete the FAA Medical Application form
(8-500- 8) online at https://medxpress.faa.gov

 After your examination, the Aviation Medical Examiner may:

• Issue a certificate if you meet the standards for certification,
• Deny certification if you have a disqualifying medical condition, or
• Defer final determination to the Aeromedical Certification Division of the FAA in Oklahoma City.

Helpful Hints

Please remember to bring the following with you to our office:

• A picture ID
• Eyeglasses if you wear them. 
• Special Issuance letter from the FAA, along with all medical information outlined within it. (For those with a Special Issuance medical, mail in all the medical information requested by the FAA by the required date)
•  All required medical records from your personal physician regarding any chronic medical condition (example: hypertension and asthma)
• A written list of all you medications. Please include the following information for each medication:
• Name of medication

• Dose taken
• Frequency of use (once a day, twice a day, only when needed)
• Condition taking the medication for

• When you started taking the medication (month and year)

• Any side effects you might have from the medication
• SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability, e.g., color vision defect) if you have one

Please tell me if you any of the following:

• • Diabetes requiring medication
    
  • Angina pectoris
  • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that is symptomatic or clinically significant¨
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Cardiac valve replacement
  • Permanent pacemaker
  • Heart replacement
  • Psychosis
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts
  • Substance dependence
  • Substance abuse
  • Epilepsy
  • Disturbance of consciousness without a satisfactory explanation ofthe cause,
  • Transient loss of nervous system function(s) without a satisfactory explanation of the cause.