Aviation Medical Exams

Obtaining an FAA medical certification requires passing an aviation medical examination. The exam is divided into various sections:

• Telehealth Consultation Medical History Review – The AME will examine your medical background and validate the data on your MedXPress (8500-8) application. Based on the MedXPress application, each Airman’s physical is unique, and any additional paperwork, progress notes, special issuances, lab work and radiology requirements will be discussed.
• Lab Tests – Depending on your MedXPress application, each Airman has different requirements. BEFORE we meet with you for an in-person exam, our AME will go over any potential needs with you. We provide you with many of the potential laboratories and testing in an effort to keep you flying. Labs are an additional expense.
• 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.
• 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.

Exams typically last between 20 to 30 minutes, but they may take more time depending on individual needs.

Most aviation medical exam are in two parts:

• 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.

Bring a photo ID—a driver’s license or passport—home prescriptions, your MedXPress confirmation number, and any other necessary items, such as eyeglasses, contacts, hearing aids, etc. Before this medical examination, you may eat or drink.

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.

Airman medical exam costs can vary based on a variety of factors. Contact the Passport Health nearest you for more information. Please note: labs are an additional expense.

Passport Health offers a one-stop-shop for all your immunization and physical needs. AME exams are available at the following locations: