What kinds of tests must I go through to get an FAA third class medical? First class?

Question

Im working on my PVT and must have this test completed in order to solo. I want to know what kinds of tests I have to take to get a, lets say, third class. If its more economical, I may go for the first class.

Answer 1

avio would know better than myself, but when I got my private 20 yrs ago, I was pretty sure at that I was told the physical exams are the same, the only difference is a 1st class is done twice a year, a second class every year, and a 3rd class is every 2 yrs. Maybe avio can add to her description what is done differently on a first class that makes it more expensive.

It would be understandable to me if a particular airline had tests done over and above what the FAA requires, but again I heard the physical for the FAA medical is the same, just how often it has to be done is the difference.

Answer 2

To get a Third Class Medical and Student Pilot Certificate, you must pass the Third Class Medical Examination.

That is a comprehensive physical exam that evaluates your general condition and concentrates on vision, hearing, balance, coordination, reflexes, and cardiopulmonary function.

You must be clean and sober, and pass the screening for drugs, diabetes, and heart conditions.

That is the least expensive medical test you can take.  The second and third class exams are considerably more expensive.

Most people go ahead and get the medical before spending money on flight instruction, just to make sure they can pass.  So it would be a good idea to go ahead now.  Like this week.

Good luck.

Answer 3

If you join the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) you can fill out an acctual Third Class Medical Form on line.  Your answers are then checked for possible problems or "Flags".  

You can join AOPA at www.aopa.org.  

They sometimes have free 6 month subscriptions for student pilots.  Hope this helps.

Answer 4

To receive a third class medical certificate you must pass a basic exam. The three main requirements are that you can read and speak English, and you have decent eye sight and you must  pass the third class medical certificate. The tests are basic such as like a physical. You must visit an FAA certified medical instructor. They will basically just make sure that you aren't on the verge of dying. They will not make you do much they will just check your blood level and make sure that you are taking all of your prescribed medications.

Answer 5

FAR part 67 is pretty clear on all of this stuff. The medical exam itself is not very rigorous at all. It isn't an astronaut physical. The 1st through 3rd are pretty much the same, except that you will need to have a baseline EKG administered  at 35, and every year thereafter from 40 onward if you're wanting to go for the first class.

There is no drug screening urinalysis for any of the FAA medicals. If you're getting one from your company doc, he might sneak one in. If that's the case, it is covered under part 121 appendix I. You'll know when you're getting a drug test. There's a bunch of paperwork to ensure that the chain of possession is secure, or that you haven't "doctored" your sample by diluting it with water, or substitution.

The only thing that they're looking for in the urinalysis is sugar level.  

This is not to say that you can't have the medical examiner dig a little deeper if you'd like. Every year when I have my EKG, I'll include a fasting blood test to get a better look at my blood chemistry. He'll also do a PSA test as well. About 9 years ago, he did find something that grounded me for about 6 months. He also was the guy that headed me the right direction to get recertified. Shucks, I'm alive today and still flying because of him.

Not all AMEs are equal. Find one that really knows what he's doing. Some are afraid of signing off anything that isn't Superman. Others are Santa Claus types who'll sign off anything that walks in the door. You'll be wanting a doctor who's also a pilot as well. He must have the philosophy that he is there to get you certified (in an honest and diligent manner, mind you) and to keep you so; not by fudging paperwork, but by actually practicing medicine. OK, I'll get off my soapbox now.