Becoming a pilot is exciting. But before you log hours, solo, or sit in an airline cockpit, there’s one gate you must pass through—your aviation medical exam. And that means finding the right Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
If you’re wondering where to start, who to trust, or how to avoid mistakes that delay your training, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through this like a mentor would—clear, honest, and practical. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to find an AME, what to expect, and how to prepare so you don’t waste time or money.
Why Finding the Right Aviation Medical Examiner Matters
Here’s the thing most new pilots don’t realize:
Not all doctors can perform aviation medical exams. And not all AMEs are equal.
The AME you choose can:
-
Approve your medical on the spot—or delay it for months
-
Help you navigate minor issues—or escalate them unnecessarily
-
Become a long-term partner in your flying career
This guide is written for student pilots, private pilots, commercial pilots, and airline hopefuls in the United States. It’s practical, beginner-friendly, and designed to help you move forward with confidence.
What Is an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)?
An Aviation Medical Examiner is a licensed physician authorized by the aviation authority to conduct medical exams for pilots.
In the United States, AMEs are designated by the Federal Aviation Administration. That authorization is what allows them to:
-
Conduct aviation medical exams
-
Review your medical history under FAA rules
-
Issue (or defer) your medical certificate
A regular family doctor—even a great one—cannot issue an FAA medical certificate.
Why Aviation Medicals Are Different
Aviation medicals focus on safety-sensitive risks, such as:
-
Vision and color perception
-
Heart and neurological health
-
Mental health stability
-
Conditions that could cause sudden incapacitation
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s predictable, safe functioning in the air.
Types of FAA Medical Certificates (Know This First)
Before you search for an AME, you need to know which medical certificate you need. This affects the exam depth, cost, and which AMEs are suitable.
First-Class Medical Certificate
Who needs it:
-
Airline Transport Pilots (ATP)
-
Airline career aspirants
Key points:
-
Most detailed exam
-
Shorter validity
-
ECG required at certain ages
Second-Class Medical Certificate
Who needs it:
-
Commercial pilots
-
Flight instructors (in some cases)
Key points:
-
Less strict than First-Class
-
Moderate validity period
Third-Class Medical Certificate
Who needs it:
-
Student pilots
-
Private pilots
-
Recreational flyers
Key points:
-
Least complex
-
Longest validity
-
Ideal for beginners
👉 Pro tip: If you plan to fly professionally later, some pilots choose a higher-class medical early to identify any issues sooner.
Who Issues Aviation Medicals in the US?
In the US, aviation medical certification falls entirely under the FAA.
-
Only FAA-designated AMEs can perform your exam
-
The FAA sets the medical standards
-
AMEs act as front-line evaluators, not final judges in complex cases
If you’re training in the US—even as an international student—you’ll typically need an FAA medical.
(For readers outside the US, authorities like the UK CAA, EASA, or India’s DGCA apply. But this guide focuses on US pilots.)
How to Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (Step-by-Step)
Let’s get practical.
Step 1: Confirm Your Medical Class
Before you search, ask yourself:
-
Am I a student or private pilot? → Third-Class
-
Am I flying commercially? → Second-Class
-
Am I airline-bound? → First-Class
Knowing this helps you avoid booking with an AME who rarely handles your category.
Step 2: Use the Official FAA AME Locator
The FAA AME Locator is the safest, most accurate way to find a certified examiner.
You can search by:
-
City or ZIP code
-
State
-
AME name
This ensures:
-
The AME is currently authorized
-
Their credentials are valid
-
You avoid outdated or unofficial listings
👉 Avoid random Google results alone. Always cross-check with the FAA directory.
Step 3: Choose by Location (But Don’t Rush)
When filtering by location:
-
Start with your nearest major city
-
Look near airports or flight schools
-
Consider travel time—especially if follow-ups are needed
Some pilots drive 1–2 hours to see a trusted, experienced AME. That’s often worth it.
Step 4: Check Availability and Booking Style
Before booking, check:
-
Are appointments online or phone-only?
-
How far out are bookings? (1–3 weeks is common)
-
Do they handle your medical class frequently?
Busy AMEs aren’t bad—but you don’t want months of waiting if you’re starting training.
How to Choose the Right AME (This Is Where Most People Slip)
Finding an AME is easy. Choosing the right one takes a bit of thought.
Look for Experience With Your Medical Class
An AME who mostly does Third-Class exams may not be ideal for:
-
First-Class airline applicants
-
Older pilots with ECG requirements
Experience matters because aviation rules are detailed, and interpretation matters.
“Pilot-Friendly” vs “Overly Strict”
You’ll hear pilots talk about “pilot-friendly” AMEs. That doesn’t mean rule-breaking.
It means:
-
They explain things clearly
-
They understand common pilot issues
-
They avoid unnecessary deferrals
🚩 Red flag: An AME who sounds rushed, dismissive, or unwilling to answer questions.
Special Situations Matter
If you have any of these, choose carefully:
-
Glasses, LASIK, or PRK
-
Past surgeries
-
Controlled asthma, BP, or diabetes
-
Mental health history (even mild)
Some AMEs specialize in handling documentation correctly, which can save months.
Questions You Should Ask Before Booking
A quick call or email can tell you a lot.
Ask:
-
Are you authorized for my medical class?
-
How long does the exam take?
-
What documents should I bring?
-
Do you often handle first-time applicants?
-
What could cause a deferral in my case?
A good AME won’t rush these answers.
Documents You’ll Need for Your Aviation Medical
Bring these—even if you think they won’t matter:
-
Government photo ID
-
FAA MedXPress confirmation number
-
Previous medical certificates (if any)
-
Glasses or contacts (with prescription)
-
Medical records for any conditions or surgeries
👉 Honesty matters. Inconsistencies cause more trouble than the condition itself.
How Much Does an Aviation Medical Exam Cost in the US?
Costs vary by location and AME experience.
Typical ranges:
-
Third-Class: $100–$175
-
Second-Class: $125–$200
-
First-Class: $150–$300
Extra costs may include:
-
ECG tests
-
Lab work
-
Specialist reports
Insurance usually does not cover aviation medicals.
What Happens During the Aviation Medical Exam?
Here’s what the exam day usually looks like.
Step-by-Step Walkthrough
-
Identity verification
-
Review of MedXPress application
-
Vision and color tests
-
Hearing check
-
Blood pressure and vitals
-
Physical exam
-
ECG (if required by age/class)
Time required:
-
20–40 minutes for most Third-Class exams
-
Up to 60 minutes for First-Class
Many pilots walk out with same-day approval.
What Is a Medical Deferral (And Should You Panic)?
A deferral means the AME needs the FAA to review your case.
It does not mean denial.
Common reasons:
-
Missing documents
-
First-time mental health disclosure
-
Certain medications
-
Abnormal test results needing confirmation
Your AME forwards your file. The FAA decides.
👉 A good AME prepares this properly, which speeds things up.
Common Medical Issues (And How AMEs Handle Them)
Let’s clear some myths.
Vision
-
Glasses or contacts are fine
-
LASIK/PRK is acceptable
-
Color vision issues depend on severity
Blood Pressure & Weight
-
Controlled BP is usually okay
-
BMI alone rarely disqualifies you
Mental Health
-
Past anxiety or therapy ≠ automatic denial
-
Transparency and documentation matter most
How to Prepare for Your Medical Exam (Ethical Tips)
You don’t need tricks. Just be smart.
-
Sleep well the night before
-
Avoid caffeine if you’re BP-sensitive
-
Hydrate normally
-
Bring all documents
-
Answer questions honestly
Never hide conditions. Aviation medicine is built on trust.
Can Any Part of the Medical Be Done Online?
Short answer: No—core exams must be in person.
What can be done online:
-
MedXPress application
-
Document uploads
-
Follow-up communication
Physical exams and tests are always in-clinic.
How Often Do You Need to Renew Your Medical?
Validity depends on:
-
Medical class
-
Your age
-
Intended privileges
For example:
-
Third-Class under 40: valid up to 60 months
-
First-Class airline privileges: much shorter
Always check current FAA rules before flying.
Common Mistakes Pilots Make When Choosing an AME
Avoid these:
-
Picking the cheapest option blindly
-
Not checking FAA authorization
-
Waiting until flight training has started
-
Ignoring AME experience with your situation
Your medical should be step one, not an afterthought.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my AME later?
Yes. You’re not locked in.
Can I use an AME in another state?
Yes. FAA medicals are nationwide.
Is an aviation medical harder than a normal physical?
Different, not harder. It’s safety-focused.
Final Thoughts: Your AME Is Part of Your Aviation Team
Finding an Aviation Medical Examiner isn’t just paperwork. It’s one of your first professional aviation decisions.
Choose carefully. Ask questions. Prepare well.
When you do, your medical exam becomes a smooth checkpoint—not a roadblock—and you’ll move forward in your flying journey with confidence.
