What is involved in an FAA Class 1 Medical?
If you are thinking about becoming a pilot in the US and flying for an American airline, you will need to obtain an FAA Class 1 Medical. This certificate shows that you have met the required standards based on your medical history and a medical examination carried out by an approved medical examiner.
Anyone who wants to become an airline transport pilot (ATP) will need an FAA 1st class medical to prove they are fit and healthy to keep themselves and any other persons on board safe. A 1st class medical has the highest standards and will be required for anyone who will be acting as pilot in command of a scheduled air carrier.
If you are starting your journey as an ATP, it’s important to be prepared for the FAA medical requirements you will need to meet and what will take place at your medical exam. This will help you to gather the necessary information and have the details at hand, ready to pass on to your examiner. A first class medical is valid for 6 months, so you’ll soon become used to what is expected of you, as you will need to renew your certificate every 6 months if you wish to carry on flying as an airline transport pilot.
FAA 1st Class Medical: first things first
The first thing you’ll need to ensure is that you have filled out the official FAA application form – see our website for more details. Then you’ll need to book your medical appointment at the FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) of your choice. When arriving, or when booking, you will need to prove your age and identity by showing your US driving licence, identity card or passport.
FAA Medical Requirements
In order to pass the FAA class 1 medical you will need to meet a set of standards as laid out by the FAA. This includes:
- Eyesight – have 20/20 distance vision, either with or without corrective lenses, near vision of 20/40 or better and be able to perceive the necessary colours.
- ENT – have no diseases of the inner or middle ear, nose, oral cavity or larynx that will interfere with communication or be aggravated by flying. You will also have your hearing tested to ensure you can hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room and undergo pure tone audiometric testing.
- Mental health – have no history or clinical diagnosis of personality disorder, psychosis, bipolar disorder or substance dependence.
- Neurology – have no history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or seizure disorder.
- Cardiovascular – have no history or current diagnosis of any heart disease, heart replacement or heart disorder. You may also need to undergo an electrocardiogram to satisfy the requirements in this section of the medical.
Your general medical fitness will also be assessed to ensure that you will be able to safely perform your duties. It’s important that you bring along any medical history that might be relevant, together with any glasses or contact lenses that you currently wear.
Where to book your FAA 1st Class Medical
There are approximately 3,500 physicians around the globe who are FAA-designated AMEs and we have one of them! You can book your FAA 1st Class Medical at Heathrow Medical – whether this is your initial exam or if you have previously undergone a medical.
Simply click here to send us a message or call us on 020 8528 2633 or and we can book your appointment or advise you on what you need to do next.