Aerospace Medicine

FAA Flight Physicals

A pilot must meet minimum safety standards in terms of physical and mental condition as determined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). When a designated physician determines that the pilot meets the standards for a successful flight physical, the pilot is issued a medical certificate identifying that individual as meeting those specific standards.

FAA medical certificate requirements

The FAA has mandated the physical and psychological standards that must be met prior to granting licensure for individuals acting as pilot in command or serving as required crew members of any type of aircraft, including student pilots. Certain FAA employees such as air traffic controllers must hold a valid Airman Medical Certificate. Some employers, including businesses not engaged in aviation, require their employees to meet FAA flight physical standards (for example, certain types of maritime operators).

Barring any changes in a pilot's medical status, each class of examination has a specific expiration date as outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR part 61.23). The validity of each exam class is based on a calendar month. For example, if a pilot is evaluated for a Second-Class Medical Certificate on July 4, 2005, then the certificate would expire on July 31, 2006. Validation periods are as follows:

First Class — 6 calendar months
Second Class — 12 calendar months
Third Class — 36 months if younger than age 40 at the time of evaluation; 24 months if age 40 or older at the time of evaluation

Applying for a FAA medical certificate

Mayo Clinic's Aerospace Medicine program will provide the necessary application forms on your arrival. After your examination, the Aviation Medical Examiner may issue a certificate if you meet the standards for certification, deny certification if you have a disqualifying medical condition, or defer final determination to the Aeromedical Certification Division of the FAA in Oklahoma City.