Passport Health Colorado offers the MedXPress (8500-8) compliant medical exams by an FAA-Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The FAA requires all pilots and airmen to have a medical exam before flying their aircraft. We perform Class 2 and Class 3 medical exams in our Aurora location.
What Are the Steps To an Aviation Medical Exam At Passport Health?
An Aviation Medical Exam is a required component in getting an FAA medical certification. The exam consists of several parts:
- Telehealth Consultation Medical History Review – The AME will review your medical history and verify the information on your MedXPress (8500-8) application. Every Airman’s physical is different based on the MedXPress application, and additional documentation, progress notes, special issuances, labs, and radiology needs will be discussed.
- Physical Exam – Our FAA-Designated AME will perform your medical exam, review any documentation, progress notes, special issuances, labs, radiology, etc., and complete your application as long as the exam findings are normal.
- Lab Tests – Every Airman’s needs differ based on your MedXPress application. Our AME will review your possible needs with you BEFORE we see you for an in-person exam. In an effort to keep you flying, we offer many of the potential labs and testing to you. Labs are an additional expense.
- Certificates – Many certificates are given on the same day as the AME in-person appointment, but processing of the paperwork can take up to 14 days from when you were seen by our AME if there are any pending needs. If the requirements are not addressed in this timeframe, the AME must defer the Airman to the FAA. Being prepared is key!
Exams generally take between 20 and 30 minutes, but may require additional time based on individual needs.
How Many Visits are Needed to Complete My Aviation Medical Exam?
Your visit to Passport Health Colorado will be two visits.
- A quick telehealth consultation is required to review any needed progress notes, tests, labs, etc., before your in-person visit. We want you to be prepared for your visit before we start your AME medical in-person exam since the FAA limits the number of days an application can be pending. This step helps keep you flying!
- An in-person visit, you will meet with our AME, and they will perform your medical exam, review your documentation, labs, etc., and complete your application as long as the exam findings are normal.
What Should I Bring to an FAA Medical Exam?
Bring your photo ID, either Driver’s license or Passport, home medications, MedXPress confirmation number, glasses, contacts, hearing aids, etc., to your appointment. You can eat/drink before this medical exam.
How Long Does an FAA Medical Certificate Last?
An FAA medical certificate duration can vary based on type of certificate and age of the individual:
- First Class Certificate – 6 months for any first class operation if over 40, 12 months if under 40, see below for other types of operation.
- Second Class Certificate – 12 months for any second class operation, see below for third class operation.
- Third Class Certificate – 24 months if the airman is over 40, 60 months if under 40.
How Much Does an Aviation Medical Exam Cost?
Airman Medical Exam is $180 for the consultation and basic medical exam by an AME. In an effort to keep you flying, we offer many of the possible labs and testing to you. Labs are an additional expense.
Where Can I Get an Aviation Medical Exam Near Me?
Passport Health Colorado offers Aviation Medical Exams compliant with FAA Form 8500-8 at its Aurora clinic. Call to learn more or schedule your appointment today.
