How to Obtain a FAA Medical Certificate

The FAA requires a medical certificate before flying solo in an airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, or airship. You should obtain your medical certificate before you begin your flight training program simply to make the transition process easier. Medical certificates are to ensure you are healthy and capable of navigating an aircraft without any medical defects that may hinder your performance.

In order to get a medical certificate, you must pass a physical examination. This exam will be administered by an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. You can get your certificate from any designated FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner, they are easy to find. The FAA has a directory that lists authorized medical examiners by name and address. The handbooks are attainable at any FAA Flight Standards District Office, air traffic control facility, or flight service station.

For a recreational or private pilot certificate, a third-class medical certificate is required. The medical certificates required change with different pilot certificates.

If you have a physical disability, you can still get a medical certificate. It all depends on the nature of the disability as certain disabilities may hinder your operating abilities. The types of limitation will be described by your medical examiner before you're issued your medical certificate. You must always carry your certificate, even when flying solo.

A third-class medical certificate will expire 36th months after the issue date. However, if you are over 40 years of age, the certificate will expire after 24 months.

According to Aviationwise, the medical examination for a third-class certificate will test the following:

• Distant Vision - 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction
• Near Vision (from16 inches) - 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction
• Color Vision - ability to perceive the colors deemed necessary
• Hearing (from 6 feet) - average conversational voice in a quiet room
• Audiology - audiometric speech discrimination test to test thresholds
• Ear, Nose, and Throat - no disease or condition that may be triggered by vertigo
• Blood Pressure - 155/95 is maximum
• Mental - No diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or any other personality disorder
• Substance Dependence/Abuse- alcohol and all illegal drugs, no diagnosis or history of substance dependence, unless with substantial evidence showing total abstinence from the substance for at least the preceding 2 years