What Is an FAA Medical Exam?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires pilots to be medically certified to fly. The FAA delegates authority to perform medical certification exams to physicians who complete specialized FAA training. Physicians designated by the FAA are known as Aviation Medical Examiners (AME). A medical evaluation by an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is called an FAA medical exam. This exam is also sometimes referred to as a flight physical.
Where Can I Get an FAA Medical Exam?
Our University of Utah Health occupational medicine team offers 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class exams.
You can get your FAA medical exam at our South Jordan Health Center.
What To Bring To an FAA Medical Examination
In order to complete your exam, please make sure you follow all necessary steps:
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Complete the required FAA electronic Application for Medical Certification through MedXPress before your appointment.
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Email your MedXPress confirmation number to occupational.medicine@hsc.utah.edu. Our office will need this number to complete your exam.
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Please bring your glasses if you wear them. If you wear contacts, bring a contact case to remove contacts to check uncorrected vision. Please make sure your glasses or contact prescription is current. The FAA has strict vision requirements.
If you would like, our aviation medical examiner will review your questionnaire before your appointment.
To have our provider review your questionnaire before your appointment, download a PDF copy of the questionnaire and send it to occupational.medicine@hsc.utah.edu. Our AME will let you know if any additional health information is required to complete your certification.
How Much Does an FAA Medical Exam Cost?
Our fee for the FAA exam is $140.00. An EKG is required at 35 years of age then annually at 40 years of age and older. Our price for an EKG is $50. An EKG is rarely required for 2nd and 3rd class exams, but if one is needed, there is an additional $50.00 charge.
We accept cash or credit card payments. Payment is due at check in and does not guarantee a certification.
Does Insurance Cover an FAA Medical Exam?
We do not bill insurance for your FAA medical exam. Your exam will not be covered by an insurance plan.
What to Expect at an FAA Medical Exam
When you arrive for your FAA medical exam, you will check in at our front desk. At this time, we will ask you to verify contact information.
Our staff will check vitals, vision, hearing and do a urinalysis as required for the exam. The urinalysis requires a small amount of urine to check kidney function. Please come prepared to provide a urine sample.
Our AME will review both your MedXPress questionnaire and clinical questionnaire with you before performing a physical exam.
Additional Information
Our goal is to help you get certified or maintain certification to fly. Some medical conditions and medications may need additional information to be certified, including clinical progress notes from your personal treating provider. In FAA terms these are called a “special issuance,” or, a “Condition an AME Can Issue” (CACI). Please contact us by phone or email to discuss any concerns or specific medical conditions that might apply to you.
Some medical conditions may require an additional fee to manage certification with the FAA. The fee covers additional examiner time and staff support.