What is an FAA Physical?

FAA physicals

Who must hold a FAA Medical Certificate?

Any person exercising the privileges of any of the following certificates:

  • airline transport pilot certificate
  • commercial pilot certificate
  • private pilot certificate
  • recreational pilot certificate
  • flight instructor certificate (when acting as pilot in command if serving as a required pilot flight crewmember)
  • flight engineer certificate
  • flight navigator certificate, or
  • student pilot certificate

IMPORTANT: Beginning January 1, 2025, the FAA will require all applicants for an initial airman medical certificate to test for color vision deficiencies using the new computer-based equipment and operationally based passing scores.

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Who is required to have an FAA Medical Certificate?

There three classes of FAA medical exams that are required  by the FAA for certain categories of pilots.

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  1. First Class: Airline Transport Pilot
  2. Second Class: Commercial Pilot, Flight Engineer, Flight Navigator and Air Traffic Control Tower Operator-does not include FAA employee air traffic control specialists
  3. Third Class: Private pilot, Recreational pilot, Student pilot

    An FAA Medical Exam can only be conducted by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner, or AME.

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    What is covered in FAA medical examinations?

    FAA medical exams usually last 30-45 minutes and are mostly documentation.

    As would be expected, there are additional requirements or standards for Class 1 and Class 2 certificate holders. 

     

    • Distant Vision: 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses
    • Intermediate Vision: 50 years and older, 20/40 near vision with or without correction
    • Near Vision: 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction
    • Color Vision (Computerized Testing starting 1/1/25): The necessary colors for the safe performance of duties screen for both yellow/blue and red/green deficiencies
    • EKG: Starting at age 35 and annually after age 40 an electrocardiogram (EKG) is required
    • Hearing: must demonstrate the ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room at a distance of 6 feet and understand speech at an acceptable level (determined by an audiometry test)
    • Distant Vision: 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses
    • Intermediate Vision: 50 years and older, 20/40 near vision with or without correction
    • Near Vision: 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction
    • Color Vision (Computerized Testing starting 1/1/25): The necessary colors for the safe performance of duties screen for both yellow/blue and red/green deficiencies
    • Hearing: must demonstrate the ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room at a distance of 6 feet and understand speech at an acceptable level (determined by an audiometry test)
    • Distant Vision: 20/40 or better with or without correction
    • Near Vision: 20/40 in each eye, with or without correction
    • Color Vision (Computerized Testing starting 1/1/25): The necessary colors for the safe performance of duties screen for both yellow/blue and red/green deficiencies
    • Hearing: must demonstrate the ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room at a distance of 6 feet and understand speech at an acceptable level (determined by an audiometry test)
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    FAA Physicals are offered at all offices

    Our Occupational Healthcare staff members are ready to answer any questions you have about FAA Physicals. You can Call to Schedule or Fill out the form below.

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    Looking for something different?

    We also offer many other Physicals, Screenings and Tests and Employer Services from Biometric Screenings to Work Injury Treatment Plans.

    We offer a number of screenings, tests, and other medical services from Biometric Screenings to Vaccinations to X-Rays, and more. 

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    We offer a number of physicals related to DOT, Non-DOT Medical Services, and OSHA-Related work, such as DOT Physicals, Respiratory and HAZMAT/HAZWOPER Physicals, and more.

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    We offer services for all different types of employers, whether you are regulated by DOT, OSHA or any other government organization. We can manage your Work Injury Treatment Plans.

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    Questions about FAA Physicals?

    Call us or Fill out the Form below to Schedule an Appointment!

    Our Occupational Healthcare staff members specialize in FAA Physicals and are ready to answer any questions you have whether you need In-Clinic Services or Onsite Clinic Services. All medical staff has very specific knowledge in Occupational Medicine, which is exactly what you need.

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