What do they check for in your 3rd class medical exam?

Question

What do they check for in your 3rd class medical exam?

Answer 1

Read the link above for all of the details.

(DISCLAIMER: The information below is a SUMMARY of the regulations, not a replacement for them.  This is meant to give you a quick idea of what to expect.)

Here's an abbreviated summary.  The doctor will check your vision (probably with an antiquated machine that only the FAA still uses), your hearing (may be a fancy hearing test, or could just be the doctor talking to you), your blood pressure and pulse, and do a urine test.

Other than that, it's just a matter of checking your medical history, courtesy of the FAA Form 8500-8.  Here's a link if you want to look at it: http://www.leftseat.com/pdffiles/8500-8n... The form itself has two sides.  The applicant fills out the front side and the doctor fills out the back side.

The big red flags there are any history of heart problems, mental illness, epilepsy, diabetes, or any disorder that is unresolved that could affect safety of flight (such as a diagnosis of kidney stones).  If you have good vision, good hearing, have never had any of these conditions, and are not on any prescription medications, you shouldn't have a problem getting a medical certificate.  (Prescription drugs aren't automatically disqualifying, but there are some that do not mix well with flying).

Answer 2

Urine test and all the basics like eyesight, hearing, balance, reflexes, medical history, etc. The particulars are outlined in FAR Part 67:

67.301  Eligibility.

67.303  Eye.

67.305  Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium.

67.307  Mental.

67.309  Neurologic.

67.311  Cardiovascular.

67.313  General medical condition.

Answer 3

Well, I don't take a third class, but you should read FAR Part 67. If you want to be a "Captain", you're going to need to start reading the FARs. They are available at the FAA website.