Physical Preparation: Tips for Taking Pilot Medical Exam

8. Prepare physically for the FAA Examination

Pilot Tips for the Airman Medical Exam

You must hold a valid and current pilot medical certificate to pilot any powered aircraft except when exercising sport pilot privileges.

Hints for Your FAA Medical Examination and Keeping Your Pilot Medical Certificate

Prepare physically for the examination

Pilots who have a medical examination should be well rested and should avoid high sugar meals, caffeine, tobacco and stimulant type medications before their physical examination. Meals high in sugar may cause an erroneous result in the urinalysis that raises a suspicion of diabetes. Complex carbohydrates and proteins before an examination will stabilize blood sugars and decrease the risk of an abnormal urine result in helping individuals. Fasting is not necessary, however.

For those pilots requiring electrocardiograms (first physical examination after age 35 and annually after age 40 for First Class certification), being well rested, avoiding caffeine, tobacco and stimulant medications, such as decongestants, decreases the risk of abnormalities on the ECG. Although in most cases, these abnormalities are shown to be not clinically significant, the time and expense, not to mention the anxiety, associated with obtaining the required evaluation can be avoided by simple preparation.

Other Tips For FAA Medical Exam
1. Establish a long term relationship with an AME
2. Select an AME that you and other pilots are comfortable using.
3. Understand the three possible outcomes of an FAA medical examination
4. Take your physical examination early in the month that it is due
5. DO NOT take a physical examination if you are not medically qualified
6. Bring appropriate documentation
7. Bring glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids, if required
8. Prepare physically for the examination
9. Understand reporting responsibilities on your FAA medical application
10. Remember to check the blocks regarding drug and alcohol offenses and other legal encounters
11. Be prepared to send further information to the FAA upon request
12. Contact an aviation medicine specialist early for any questions you may have
13. Interview Portion: Understand in advance the questions you must answer and the declarations you must make.
14. Exam Portion: Understand how the Examination will be conducted.

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