Discover How To Get Your FAA Medical Pilot Certificate

By Bruce Hogan

It makes perfectly good sense that you must be in good health in order to obtain your Pilot's license. A medical emergency taking place in the sky does not leave one with many options.

The Federal Aviation Association is very detailed and explicit when it comes to their rules regarding medical requirements. You will be required to have complete physical examination. This must be done by a physician that is an accredited Aviation Medical Examiner. For this Doctor to be accredited simply means he has been approved by the FAA to carry out these specific examinations. A standard Doctor may overlook something that from the ground purpose would be insignificant but to an individual flying about it could have some serious consequences. This is the reason for a specified Doctor.

You will not be required to produce your medical certificate until you are going to fly solo. It really is advisable to obtain your medical clearance prior to your school enrollment. It would be disappointing and costly to go through your theory segment of your training then find out when you were ready for your solo's that you weren't medically fit.

When you are seeking out enrollment in a specific flight training school, you can ask them if they have a list of aviation medical physicians. If not you can call the district FAA. It really will not matter which aviation Doctor you choose as they all have the same designated format to follow. To begin with, you will have to fill out a FAA application and a specific medical history form.

During the actual examination, you will be examined in vision, hearing, balance, and nose and throat abnormalities. In addition, he will listen to your lungs. It's important that the Doctor determine that you have not mental or neurological issues. There can be no evidence of drug abuse, alcoholism, psychosis or epilepsy. You cannot suffer from diabetes or any type of chronic heart disease.

You will be expected to pay for the aviation medical exam, which will range from $75. To $100.

There are variations in the types of medical certificates dependant on the type of Pilot you are going to become. Some individuals make the mistake of going for a more in-depth medical certificate that they do not require. They feel that it may be more significant. The in-depth medicals are far more detailed. Whereas the individual may have no difficulty, passing the Private Pilots Medical there may be issues if he is subjecting himself to the medical designed for the Commercial Pilot. This can have some consequences to it. If you are turned down on this medical then it means you will not qualify for any Pilots license even though you were medically qualified for the Private Pilot. Therefore, to be safe just subject yourself to the medical that is applicable for the license you are attempting to get.

Your license is good for three years for ages forty and below and two for those above.

The medical does not mean that you have to be 100% perfect. For example if you vision is not perfect it may be mandatory to wear corrective lenses when flying. Your medical certificate acts as your student pilot certificate for a period of two years as you are pursuing your license. You must have this license in your possession at any time you are the pilot in command. - 33387

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