Becoming a pilot isn’t just about logging flight hours, it also means proving you’re physically fit to fly. That’s where the FAA’s medical certification process comes in. For student pilots, understanding what examiners look for (and what might actually disqualify you) can be just as important as mastering takeoffs and landings.
At Monmouth Executive Airport’s flight school, we guide aspiring aviators through every stage of training, including what to expect when applying for a medical certificate.
In this article, we’ll outline the FAA’s medical exam requirements, explain disqualifying conditions, and cover why certain pilots—like those aiming to become airline transport pilots (ATPs)—need a first-class airman medical certificate.
FAA Medical Exam Disqualifying Conditions Every Student Pilot Should Know
The FAA lists several medical conditions that disqualify pilots from flying. There are cases where, if the condition is adequately controlled, the medical certificate is granted contingent on periodic reports. Disqualifying medical conditions include:
- Heart
- Cardiac valve replacement
- Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant
- Heart replacement
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Permanent cardiac pacemaker.
- Mental health
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts
- Psychosis
- Epilepsy
- Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications
- Substance abuse and dependence
Did you know that individuals who are deaf can obtain a pilot certificate and be medically certified? Candidates are required to submit the results of a hearing exam and take a Special Medical Flight Test, in addition to the standard requirements, before they receive a medical certificate for their pilot license. Deaf pilots are issued a second-class or third-class medical certificate.
What to Expect During Your First Class Medical Exam in NJ
Pilots can apply for any class of airman medical certificate as long as they meet the required medical standards for that specific class. Airline transport pilots must hold a first-class certificate, while a private pilot requires only a third-class certificate. The medical certification process starts long before you are physically examined. You are required to:
- Create an account in the FAA’s MedXPress, answer a series of medical questions, and submit your application.
- Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) who is specifically trained to perform FAA exams.
- Gather the required documentation.
- Go for the medical exam.
What can you expect during a first-class medical exam? The AME will perform the examination to ensure you meet all requirements for a first-class airman certificate as set out in Title 14, Chapter I, Subchapter D, Part 67, Subpart B of the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR).
Medical Requirements for an Airline Pilot Certification
There is an extensive list of medical requirements that must be fulfilled before the first-class medical certificate for an airline pilot license is granted. The AME will look at a pilot’s:
- Eyes
- Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium
- Mental and neurologic health
- Cardiovascular health.
- General medical condition.
The visual acuity standards for 1st and 2nd class airman medical certificates are identical, as pilots are required to see 20/20 or better in each eye, with or without correction for distance. The standard for near vision is 20/40 (at 16 inches), while pilots aged 50 and over must have intermediate vision of 20/40 (at 32 inches).
FAA Medical Certificate Duration and When to Renew
The medical certificate for a pilot license must be an original, as copies are invalid. The validity period of FAA medical certificates depends on the pilot’s age (under or over 40) on or before the date of the examination and the certificate class required for the operations. Safety is always the first consideration at Monmouth Executive Airport, NJ. We expect all pilots using our airport and facilities to have valid pilot and medical certification specific to the type of flying they will undertake.
Monmouth Executive Airport is located in a low-traffic airspace corridor, which is ideal for student pilots! The medical certificate for a pilot license must always be available when flying from our airport. Contact us today for more information on our services, or visit us at: https://monmouthjetcenter.com/