Expert Opinion
AINsight: Why Pilots Want Thorough AME Exams
Pilots should welcome thorough medical exams since it's better to find small problems now rather than wait to turn into big issues that require grounding.
(Photo: Creative Commons/Stock photo)
(Photo: Creative Commons/Stock photo)

Before you start posting comments on pilot forums that begin with the title, “Sancetta has totally lost his marbles,” please hear me out. A pilot’s main concern when going to their aviation medical examiner (AME) for their required FAA examinations is, understandably, to walk out of the AME’s office with their coveted medical certificate in hand—and with little fanfare along the way.

I get it. In addition to my medical practice, I was also a professional pilot for more than 30 years. I too am familiar with the trepidation of the potential outcomes of an FAA medical examination.

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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