Ask an AME

Who should use our Ask an AME service?

• • Aspiring and student pilots seeking insights into their eligibility for an FAA medical certificate before committing to flight training.
• • Individuals curious about how certain factors might affect their ability to meet FAA regulations.
• • Self-grounding requirements.
• • People interested in learning how to be better prepared for their FAA medical exams.
• • Those who want insights into possible timelines and costs involved in getting an FAA medical certification.
• • Anyone considering special circumstances, such as a past behavioral or mental health diagnosis, and wondering about the general FAA guidelines on such matters.

Who should NOT use our Ask an Aviation Medical Examiner service?

• • People already well-versed in the document requirements for FAA medical examinations.
• • Those unconcerned about a potential deferral or denial of FAA certification.
• • Individuals who accept the risk of deferral or denial and prefer to address it at a later stage—though, in seriousness, asking is recommended.
• • Anyone seeking medical advice, care plans, treatment recommendations, or interpretations of diagnostic studies. These inquiries should be directed to treating physicians. This service focuses on helping pilots and ATCs understand FAA requirements.

I feel a little concerned about providing my credit card information, is it secure?

• • Payments are all handled by Stripe. No credit card data is stored in our database. Stripe has been audited by a PCI-certified auditor and is certified to PCI Service Provider Level 1. This is the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry. To accomplish this, they use the best-in-class security tools and practices to maintain a high level of security at Stripe.
• • HTTPS and HSTS for secure connections
• • Stripe maintains a public bug bounty program, with the assistance of HackerOne

How likely am I to get a deferral or denial at my flight physical?

Over 90% of visits to an aviation medical examiner for a flight physical will result in an issuance during the visit. However, certain conditions may require further review of documentation or specific lab/imaging tests. A major cause of deferral is presenting to your flight physical with inadequate documentation. Of those that require further review (deferral), 96% will ultimately be issued a medical. There are around 2,000 - 2,500 3rd class medical denials a year. These denials are usually due to inadequate documentation.

The FAA states that they review an average of 1,800 medical applications per day! After reviewing they will then contact you with the documentation/testing they need. Once they receive that information from you they will then re-review your application. No wonder it takes so long. To speed things along they recommend asking an AME for advice on what may be needed.

What should I do if I have one of the disqualifying conditions for an FAA medical?

We do NOT recommend scheduling a flight physical until you understand what it will take to obtain a Special Issuance medical. Though not common, you do not want to be denied by the FAA. If you are issued a deferral or a denial, you cannot fly under BasicMed or exercise sport pilot privileges under a valid drivers license until the FAA has determined the deficiency is resolved.

Pilots are not allowed to fly in a period of medical deficiency § 61.53.

I have some medical problems and would like to learn the requirements for airman medical certification. Where can I get further information?

• • Discuss with your Aviation Medical Examiner or use our Ask an AME feature
• • Refer to the Aviation Medical Examiner Guide
• • Use our medication and medical diagnoses screening tool
• • Visit the AOPA or EAA websites
• • Reach out to your Regional Flight Surgeon
• • Contact the Aerospace Medical Certification Division