FAA Certified Aviation Medical Exams  

What are FAA-certified aviation medical exams?

Before any pilot can legally fly, they must have a valid medical certificate from a doctor certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

There are three types of aviation medical exams:

Third-class certificate

A third-class certificate covers private pilots or any lower pilot certification level (with the exception of the FAA's sport pilot certificate, which requires the same medical clearance as driving a car and is evidenced by a valid driver's license).

A third-class certificate expires after 60 calendar months if you're under the age of 40 (on the date of your examination) or 24 months if you're over 40.

Second-class certificate

A second-class certificate covers commercial pilots. It expires after 12 calendar months regardless of your age.

First-class certificate

A first-class certificate is for airline transport pilots. It expires after 12 calendar months for pilots under 40 and six months for pilots over 40.

If you hold a certificate that's higher than the minimum requirement for another pilot license level, you can still fly at that level, even after your initial class of medical certification expires. 

For example, if you have a valid first-class medical certificate, you can fly as a private or commercial pilot (second- or third-class certification).

Check with Dr. Marinkovich if you have questions about the specifics of your certification timeline.

What do FAA-certified aviation medical exams involve?

FAA-certified aviation medical exams begin with a review of your medical history and current health, plus a routine physical examination. 

Dr. Marinkovich must ensure you have no physical, mental, congenital, or acquired disease or disability that would prevent you from carrying out your pilot duties safely and effectively.

Dr. Marinkovich also checks any medications you're taking for existing health conditions to make sure they don't affect your abilities as a pilot. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

Having certain medical conditions would restrict you from passing the FAA-certified aviation medical exam. However, Dr. Marinkovich may give you a special issuance medical certificate after conducting a comprehensive review of your health.

Where do I go for FAA-certified aviation medical exams?

If you need to arrange an FAA-certified aviation medical exam, contact Eastside Family Health Center to discuss your requirements.

Dr. Marinkovich is an experienced aviation medical examiner (AME) authorized by the local aviation authority to perform flight physical examinations and issue FAA aviation medical certificates. 

As an AME, Dr. Marinkovich is a practitioner of aviation medicine in addition to his qualifications in other medical specialties.

To schedule your FAA-certified aviation medical exam, call Eastside Family Health Center today or book an appointment online.