Expert Opinion
AINsight: More Tips for a Successful FAA Medical Exam
Pilots can avoid turbulence at their FAA medical exam by providing pertinent medical information to the AME ahead of the visit.

In prior blogs, I have spoken about techniques and recommendations for being prepared for your FAA medical exam. These discussions have included considerations for proper medical records documentation (when required), getting the MedXpress application filled out in advance of the exam, and disclosing to the aviation medical examiner (AME) proactively if there have been new medical conditions that arose in the time between scheduled FAA medical exams.

One thing you have heard me say more than once is to “tell the AME” about new medical conditions. If there have been new surgeries, other significant medical events, prescription medications (that are expected to be ongoing, such as for high blood pressure), and, heaven forbid, a new DUI, let the AME know in advance of your next FAA medical exam.

Robert Sancetta, M.D.
AIN Contributor
About the author

Dr. Robert Sancetta is a former DC-10 captain with 11,000 flight hours. He has worked as a Senior AME since 1993 and is appointed as AME Consultant to the FAA Federal Air Surgeon.

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