WHO NEEDS A FLIGHT PHYSICAL?
FAA mandates physical and psychological standards prior to granting an aeronautical license for pilot-in-command as well as crew members operating an aircraft. This includes student, recreational, commercial and airline transport pilots. Aditionally, air traffic controllers and other designated FAA employees must also have a medical certificate.
LOUISIANA TECH STUDENTS Louisiana Tech students are required to have a medical certificate PRIOR to commencing flight training. Students have the option of obtaining a Student Pilot Certificate which is also the Class III Medical Certificate. This certificate is issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner. Students may also obtain the regular Class I, II, or III Medical Certificate. If a student elects to have a Class I, II, or III certificate, they must obtain a separate Student Pilot Certificate which is issued by the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or any designated pilot flight examiner. The only difference between a regular medical certificate and the student certificate is that the back of the student medical certificate is also the Student Pilot Certificate. The Student Pilot Certificate must be signed by the student's designated instructor pilot prior to being released for solo flight.
TYPES OF CERTIFICATES There are three classes of FAA medical certificates. Each level of certification requires more restrictive standards. A pilot may apply for any class of medical certificate, but they must possess a class of certificate applicable with their flight status.
- A Class I certificate requires the most rigorous medical standards and is generally required for scheduled commercial airline transport pilots. This certificate must be renewed each six months. A Class II certificate is required for commercial pilot operations which includes corporate, crop dusting, charter pilots as well as navigators and first officers of commercial airline operations (this can vary by commercial operators).
- The Class II certificate is valid for twelve calender months.
- The Class III certificate is required for recreational and private pilots. Student pilots apply for a Class III medical certificate and this certificate also serves as their student pilot license. This certificate is valid for thirty-six months for applicants under 40 years of age and 24 months for pilots over 40.
The medical standards for certification are listed in Federal Aviation Regulation Part 67 and also on the Flight Physical website. Applicants can request any class of medical certificate and the expiration is commensurate with their pilot operations. The class of medical simply applyies to the medical standards. For example, a Class I medical certificate is good for 36 months for a private pilot. For this reason, Louisiana Tech encourages students who intend to be an airline pilot apply for at least a Class II Certificate because a Commercial Pilot Certificate is required for graduation. This will allow for the identification of any medical deficiencies prior to graduation and application for Commercial Pilot duties.
HOW TO OBTAIN A MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
There are approximately 5,300 Aviation Medical Examiners (AME) throughout the world that are certified to perform FAA medical examinations. These physicians have completed specialized training and have passed a written examination. Certified physicians are usually listed in the phone directory, or can be identified by contacting the FAA Flight Service District Ofice, and on the internet by clicking on the red heading of this paragraph. When the examination is completed, the AME may issue the certificate, deny certification, or defer the determination to the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division. A denied application can be appealed to the FAA. Normally, the examination can be completed within one day. It may take longer if specializes tests must be accomplished outside the physician's facility.
PREPARING FOR THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION
You will need a photo identification. To save time during the examination, it is helpful if you arrive with a list of any visits to a health provider in the previous three years, a list of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and the dosages. You will be required to complete an application, so arrive early. You will be required to indicate any moving automobile vilolations and any reportable involvement in the use of alcohol and illegal drugs. Keep in mind that any false or misleading information enteren on the application can be grounds for suspension and/or revokation of a airman certificate.
YOUR MEDICAL HEALTH
The Aviation Medical Examiner should not replace your family physician. They are looking for specific medical health conditions applicable to aviation. However, if you have any symptoms, or if you are perscribed any medications, you should consult with the AME. Many family type physicians may not be aware of the consequences of medicine side effects to aviators.
