What are the requirements for obtaining an aviation medical certificate?

In order to obtain an aviation medical certificate in Colorado, all applicants must meet certain requirements issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). For specific medical requirements, applicants must fill out an aviation medical application form and bring it to an aviation medical examiner (AME). The exam must meet FAA standards and include a review of medical history and a general physical examination. In addition to the physical exam, certain lab tests are necessary to obtain a medical certificate including vision tests, a urinalysis, a thyroid blood test, and an audiogram for pilots relying on hearing for communications. The entire exam must be completed by an FAA designee. In addition, applicants must meet certain vision, hearing, and health standards in order to obtain a medical certificate and be allowed to fly. Generally, applicants must have at least 20/20 vision in each eye when using glasses or contact lenses. Corrected vision must be correctable to 20/20 in at least one eye. Uncorrected vision of 20/40 or better is allowed. Hearing must be at least 3/4ths the intensity of a normal conversation, with or without corrective hearing aids. In terms of health, applicants must be free of substance abuse, mental illness, and any physical condition that would interfere with the safe operation of an aircraft. Once all of the requirements have been met, the Medical Examiner will issue the applicant a medical certificate. This certificate must be kept on file by the applicant for the duration of their flying career. The medical certificate must be renewed every two years for a pilot under age 40 and every year for any pilot over the age of 40.

Related FAQs

What is the process for obtaining an aircraft maintenance technician license?
How is air cargo regulated?
What are the regulations regarding aircraft radio communication?
What are the requirements and procedures for an aircraft accident investigation?
What are the regulations governing air traffic control personnel?
What is the process for obtaining an aircraft ferry permit?
What are the requirements for aircraft training programs?
Are there regulations regarding the use of drones and small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS)?
What are the regulations regarding aircraft maintenance training?
What is the process for obtaining a special authorization for an aircraft flight?

What are the requirements for obtaining an aviation medical certificate?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts