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Seattle
(206) 995 8868Tukwila
(206) 243 9675FAA Physical Exam for Pilots
Overview of FAA Physical Exam for Pilots
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires pilots to undergo medical examinations (flight physical) to ensure they meet the necessary health standards for safe flight. An FAA physical, formally called an Aviation Medical Examination, is a medical assessment required by the FAA for pilots in the United States. It’s designed to ensure that pilots meet the necessary physical health standards to safely operate an aircraft.
Types of FAA Medical Exams
The type of FAA pilot physical exam you need depends on the class of your pilot’s license:
- First Class Medical: Required for airline transport pilots (ATPs) and some commercial pilots. This is the most comprehensive exam.
- Second Class: Medical Required for most commercial pilots and some private pilots.
- Third Class: Medical Required for private pilots, sport pilots, and student pilots. This is the least comprehensive exam.
Who Needs an FAA PIlot Physical Exam?
- Pilots seeking a new pilot's license (student, sport, private, commercial, airline transport pilot - ATP).
- Pilots renewing an existing license.
- Pilots with certain medical conditions requiring recertification by a DOT-approved medical examiner.
What You Can Expect During the FAA Physical Exam
The specifics of the exam will vary depending on the class of FAA medical exam but generally involve
- Medical History Review: The examiner will discuss your medical history, medications, surgeries, and overall health.
- Physical Examination: This includes checking vital signs, vision (including color perception and peripheral vision), hearing, reflexes, range of motion, and overall health.
- Urinalysis: A urine sample might be collected to screen for potential health problems.
- Additional Tests (if needed): Depending on your medical history or the examiner's findings, additional tests like blood work or an electrocardiogram (ECG) might be required.
Additional Considerations:
- Fasting: While not always required, some examiners might recommend fasting for a few hours before the exam, especially if blood sugar testing is planned.
- Bring a list of medications: It's helpful to bring a list of all medications you're currently taking.
Have questions? Get in touch. The Work Clinic has offices conveniently located in Seattle and Tukwila.
About The Work Clinic
The Work Clinic has been a local provider of occupational medicine around the Puget Sound area since 1991. Over this time we have successfully treated and provided services for thousands of patients and employers in both our Tukwila and Seattle clinics. We offer unbiased medical care delivered in a manner that fosters a cohesive foundation of understanding with employees.
We specialize in work-related services — because of this, we do not provide treatment for non-work related injuries or illnesses. The Work Clinic can treat all work-related injuries that are not life or limb-threatening such as sprains, eye injuries, lacerations, burns, respiratory injuries, abrasions, and chemical exposure. We include programs and resources that can help prevent illness, maintain health, and provide early intervention and rehabilitation whenever injuries or health problems occur.