Aviation Medical Examiners

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Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is a physician designated by the local aviation authority and given the authority to perform flight physical examinations and issue aviation medical certificates. AMEs are practitioners of aviation medicine, although most are also qualified in other medical specialties. The military equivalent of the AME is the flight surgeon.

The International Civil Aviation Organization have established basic medical rules for determining whether a pilot is fit to act in that capacity, and they are codified in Annex 1 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. However, most countries' aviation authorities have developed their own specific details and clarifications to be used in addition to - frequently more stringently than - the high-level standards prescribed by ICAO.

What class flight physical you have is determined by what kind of flying you are doing or will do

1. Class I, airline transport pilot. This is renewed every six months
2. Class II, commercial pilot. This is renewed every year
3. Class III, private pilot. This is renewed every five years for those under 40 and every two years or older.

The requirements are stricter for the commercial and airline transport pilots

Additionally, if you are not yet a certified pilot you will need to apply for a student pilot certificate. This is done at the same time as your first flight physical.

If you want to become a commercial pilot then it is wise to apply for a class one or two physical at the initial application to make sure that you are able to pass the physical requirements.

Currently, Doctor Hinkle is only allowed by the FAA to do class II and III flight physicals.

Applying for a flight physical:

1. Log on to medxpress and complete the application. Please be very specific as to what medications you take, what medical problems you have, and doctors visits. This can be accessed at: https://medxpress.faa.gov/. This is a necessary step before you book your office visit. If this is your first flight physical please apply for both a student pilot certificate as well is a flight physical
2. When your medxpress application is complete you will be given an applicant number. Please bring it with you to the appointment, as the doctor cannot access your information without it
3. During your appointment a physical examination will be performed. If you wear glasses or contact lenses please bring them with you as your eyes will be tested with and without them. A urine test will also be performed.

If you have any questions, please call (225) 246-4008

• FAA Flight Physicals