First…a bit about getting your medical.
One of the first things you will want to do before investing too much time and money into getting your PPL (Private Pilot License) is getting your FAA Medical Exam out of the way. This does not need to be done before you start training, but should be done once you are certain that you are going to stick with flying. The last thing you want is to be prepared for your check-ride, only to be denied a medical due to a disqualifying condition or medication, putting an early end to your flying career. There is an appeals process that (I am told) is long and tedious. Depending on the condition, there is a chance that the FAA will approve a special medical to you.
Disqualifying Medical Conditions
Disqualifying Medications
Before setting up your appointment, I recommend:
- Reviewing these 12 Tips for Taking Your FAA Medical Exam
- Complete your Form 8500-8 – Application For Airman Medical Certificate
My Experience Getting My Medical
I made the mistake of reading too many stories of people getting their medicals denied or deferred giving me an unnecessary amount of anxiety going into this. I was diagnosed with ADD when I was in second grade and was on medication through middle school (about 15 years off medication). Even though it was that long, I was still concerned that it would be a reason to deny me. I also had periods of low blood pressure, resulting in some nasty dizzy spells (again about 15 years episode free), but was concerned still.
I applied for my third-class medical since my current goals for flying are solely recreational. You will want to know the differences between the Medical Classes before you go in. Your aviation career goals will determine which medical you should get.
The actual physical exam was much less detailed than I thought it would be. Here is everything that they did in the exam:
- Eye Exam: Read a chart from across the room (very similar to a standard eye exam)
- Read a chart designed for near-site and intermediate-site
- Color Blind Test: Here I had to trace shapes in a book designed to see if you are colorblind. The trick here is that they throw in a page with nothing on it to make sure you are not just guessing.
- Eye Muscle Test: This is actually for first-class medical, but the nurse gave me this test so I would know what to expect if I wanted to go further. Here you place a red lens over one eye and focus both eyes on a light. A horizontal light will appear in the red lens, the nurse will then rotate the lens moving the line and you have to tell when it touches the light source.
- Urine Test: The urine test is to test for proteins and sugar in your urine (checking for diabetes).
- Sound Test: The nurse placed me in a corner of the room facing away from her. She then whispered random words which I had to repeat.
- Blood Pressure and Heart Rate: Self-explanatory
- Physical Exam: This is the portion that was conducted by the actual AME (Aviation Medical Examiner). The AME came in and listened to my heart and lungs, checked my ears, as well as an eye examination – again very similar to a standard physical. He also asked if I had any identifying markings (scars or tattoos). Though a bit morbid, they put this on file in case you are in a crash and they need to identify you.
That was it! He said I passed and they printed off my medical and gave it to me right there. A lot of concern for nothing. It is important to know what to expect, but if you are generally healthy and not on any medications, you should be good to go! Let me know your experiences in the comments!
