What does the private pilot medical exam consist of?

Question

15, USA, massachusetts

Answer 1

Different doctors have different methods of testing (i.e. some will use an audiometer to check your hearing, others will just make sure you can hear them talk), but it's the same basic tests.

There will be a vision test (with and without glasses if you need them), a hearing test, listen to your heart and lungs, basic screening of your eyes, ears, and throat, and urine test.  Some doctors will also do some other basic checks that you'd have on a routine physical (hernia check, etc.)  It's not a substitute for a complete physical.  They are just checking for major issues that could pose a safety concern while you're flying.

The most comprehensive part of the exam is the form that you fill out outlining your entire medical history.

Answer 2

Actually, the Doctor just made sure that I was breathing.  He really was to casual about the whole thing.  A brief medical history is taken - black-outs are very negative, and a review of general good health is confirmed.

Answer 3

A private pilot must hold either a first class, second class, or third class airman medical certificate.  Most people who secure the Private Airman Certificate need only the third class medical certificate.

The link below is the official source of information on the content of the medical certificates, the disqualifying conditions, and related information.

http://www.faa.gov/pilots/medical/

To give a short answer, they want to know that you are in good overall health and do not suffer from any of the disqualifying conditions.  They want to know that your heart is okay that you don't have diabetes that might make you pass out, that your balance and reflexes are okay, and that your eyesight and hearing are within acceptable limits.

The second and third class are similar, with stricter limits.