What Is an Aviation Medical Examiner?
An Aviation Medical Examiner, usually shortened to AME, is a physician designated by the FAA to perform medical exams for pilots and issue FAA medical certificates when the applicant meets the required standards.
What an AME does
An AME reviews your MedXPress application, checks your medical history, performs the physical exam, and determines whether they can issue your certificate at the appointment. If the case requires FAA review, the AME may defer the application and send it to the FAA with supporting information.
AMEs are not all identical
All AMEs follow FAA standards, but offices differ in appointment availability, communication, pricing, medical class focus, and experience with complex cases. Some AMEs are also HIMS AMEs, which matters for certain FAA monitoring and recovery pathways.
When to call before scheduling
Call before booking if you have a medical history item, a prior FAA letter, a medication question, a special issuance, a HIMS case, or an urgent expiration date. The office may tell you what records to bring, whether a consultation is appropriate, or whether another AME is a better fit.
Find an Aviation Medical Examiner
Search active FAA AMEs by location, medical class, HIMS status, and pilot reviews.
This guide is general information for pilots, not medical or legal advice. Requirements change — always confirm current FAA standards with your AME, your instructor, or the FAA directly.