| If you want to become a pilot, you have to have a | | | | possible for you to acquire a second or first class |
| FAA medical certificate. Acquiring a medical certificate | | | | medical initially, but this is not recommended. These are |
| is not too difficult. You do not have to get a medical | | | | more in depth medical exams (that you do not need). |
| certificate before you begin your training. It is only | | | | The last thing you want to happen is to apply for a |
| required once you are ready to fly the airplane solo - a | | | | first class medical and be medically denied. If you are |
| highlight that comes more quickly than you might think. | | | | denied a higher certificate, you won't be able to get |
| However you may want to visit the doctor early in | | | | any certificate. So just get what you need to begin |
| your training if you suspect a problem in getting the | | | | with. |
| certificate. It would be better not to be surprised the | | | | If you happen to have an unusual medical condition |
| day before your first solo with a delay in the process. | | | | (even a serious one) it is still possible for you to get a |
| This physical must be conducted by an FAA | | | | private pilot license. However you then would need to |
| designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). You can | | | | an AME to discuss your options (for instance, if you |
| ask your Flight Instructor about how to find an AME | | | | are colorblind you may not be allowed to fly at night, or |
| close to you, or you can call the Aerospace Medical | | | | you may have to wear corrective lenses if your vision |
| Certification Division of the FAA in Oklahoma City at | | | | isn't great.) |
| (405) 954-4821. If you are in good health, you should | | | | Your medical certificate is also your student pilot |
| have no problem getting your medical certificate. At | | | | certificate that is valid for two years while you work |
| the exam, you will first be asked to fill out an FAA | | | | toward a private pilot certificate. Make sure you keep |
| application and medical history form. The doctor will | | | | up with your certificate. Anyone acting as |
| then check your vision, hearing, balance, nose and | | | | pilot-in-command (PIC) of an airplane must carry a |
| throat, and listen to your lungs. Finally, the doctor will | | | | current and appropriate medical certificate on each |
| determine that you do not have any mental or | | | | flight. |
| neurological problems such as alcoholism, epilepsy, | | | | One more thing about medical certificates make sure |
| psychosis, or a serious medical condition like chronic | | | | that you use an AME who has been recommended to |
| heart disease or diabetes mellitus. | | | | you. I have had students who wanted to learn to fly, |
| The cost of the exam is not regulated by the FAA, | | | | and went to an unknown doctor who was great at |
| but you can normally expect to pay between $75 and | | | | medicine, but knew practically nothing about aviation |
| $100. The third class airman medical certificate, | | | | (even though he was certified by the FAA.) Their |
| required for a private pilot certificate, is valid for three | | | | paperwork got really messed up and the doctor made |
| years for applicants younger than 40, and two years | | | | very unnecessary and lengthy delays in the process. |
| for those 40 and older. On a side note, a second class | | | | Again, get a recommendation, anything is better than |
| medical is required for a commercial pilot, and a first | | | | nothing. |
| class medical is required for an airline transport pilot. It is | | | | |