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FAA MEDICAL EXAM CHECKLIST

Below is a checklist that will help you prepare for your exam.

BEFORE YOUR FAA MEDICAL EXAM

  • Complete your MEDXPRESS application at: https://medxpress.faa.gov/  (this is required prior to all exams)

  • Get plenty of rest the night before.

  • Drink plenty of water the day of the exam.

  • Limit foods/beverages with caffeine, sodium or carbohydrates/sugar at least 8 hrs prior to the exam

VISION TESTING

  • Bring glasses/contacts to examination if you normally use them.

  • Color Vision should be pre-tested to assure success. 

  • Distant Vision should be pre-tested to assure success.  (20/20 for 1st and 2nd class) (20/40 for 3rd class)

  • Near Vision should be pre-tested to assure success. (20/40 for all classes)

BLOOD PRESSURE

  • Blood Pressure should be pre-tested by your private physician to assure success.

  • Values below 140/90 are preferred. Readings above 155/95 preclude certification. Most blood pressure medications are approved if you bring a clinical progress note from your treating physician from the last 90 days. 

HEARING

  • Can you hear a soft voice at 6 feet? If not, get a hearing evaluation from a private physician to establish the loss and the need for a hearing amplification. Most pilots with minor hearing loss are permitted to use a headset as “amplification”. 

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM

  • EKGs are required for 1st class medical certificates starting at age 35, then yearly starting age 40.

  • Your EKG should be pre-tested by your private physician to discover any abnormalities. Don’t let your private physician dismiss “minor” variants of normal. If ANYTHING is discovered, you should complete an evaluation and obtain documentation of the issue/condition. 

DOCTOR VISITS SINCE YOUR LAST MEDICAL OR IN THE LAST 3 YEARS

  • If you have been to the doctor for anything other than routine check-ups or general counseling, you should bring documentation to the FAA examination. In many cases additional information from your specialist is required. 

SURGERIES, PROCEDURES, NEW CONDITIONS OR MEDICATIONS

  • If your medications or medical condition has changed since your last exam, you should bring documentation to your FAA examination. 

  • Many medications are not compatible with Aviation. Complete list is found on FAA website.

  • Some common medications (current use or history of use) likely requiring FAA approval are:

    • SSRI's​ and other depression medications.

    • Anxiety medications

    • ADHD medications

    • Epipen 

    • "Blood thinners"

CONDITIONS WHICH REQUIRE SPECIAL ISSUANCE / WAIVER

  • If you have a condition which has or may require special issuance, you should obtain FAA documentation of pre-approval.  Specifically disqualifying conditions are listed below and will require FAA approval:

    • Angina pectoris

    • Bipolar disease

    • Cardiac valve replacement

    • Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant

    • Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications

    • Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory explanation of cause

    • Epilepsy

    • Heart replacement

    • Myocardial infarction

    • Permanent cardiac pacemaker

    • Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts

    • Psychosis

    • Substance abuse

    • Substance dependence

    • Transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory explanation of cause.

VITAMINS, HERBAL PREPARATIONS & FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

  • Some herbal preparations can jeopardize your FAA medical examination. 

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