Aviation Physicals

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires airline pilots to undergo aviation physicals every six months to five years. The frequency varies depending on several things, including what type of flying a pilot does and their age. At Monument Occupational Medicine in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Susan Cump, PA, Anjmun Sharma, MD, and their team provide aviation physicals. Call Monument Occupational Medicine today to schedule your next aviation physical, or book your appointment online.

What is an aviation physical?

An aviation physical, or FAA medical exam, is a routine checkup performed by an aviation medical examiner (AME). The exam assesses your general health and looks for underlying medical issues that might affect your ability to safely fly a plane.

All commercial pilots must undergo regular aviation physicals to maintain their commercial pilot’s license. Therefore, you must adhere to the exam schedule provided by your employer.

Do aviation physicals require special preparation?

Before scheduling an aviation physical, you must visit the FAA’s MedXPress Website and complete the pre-exam application. The application asks questions about your health and lifestyle. You submit the completed application to your Monument Occupational Medicine provider.

After completing the application, gather any necessary items at home. For example, if you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, bring them to your exam. Write down the names and dosage levels of all the medications and supplements you take, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC).

Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine the night before your exam. Also, avoid sugary foods because they can affect the results of a urinalysis and bloodwork.

What do aviation physicals involve?

Aviation physicals take 45-60 minutes.

First, your Monument Occupational Medicine provider reviews your medical records and asks about your health and lifestyle. Answer their questions honestly, and tell them if you have a chronic medical condition like asthma or diabetes.

Your provider completes a physical exam. They:

• Check your eyes and test your vision
• Check your ears and test your hearing
• Measure your blood pressure
• Listen to your heart and lungs
• Assess your mental and neurological health
• Test your reflexes
• Weigh and measure you

At the end of your exam, your provider orders lab tests, including bloodwork and urinalysis. They also complete drug testing.

After getting the results from all of your tests, your provider either clears you to fly or, if problems are found, grounds you to complete further assessments. They also sign off on any paperwork your employer requires.

What if I fail my aviation physical?

If you fail your aviation physical, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t fly. The FAA allows for appeals so that you aren’t banned from being a pilot.

For example, if your provider discovers an underlying medical condition that could affect your ability to safely pilot a plane, they make personalized treatment recommendations to get it under control. Once you meet the necessary requirements, you can undergo a second aviation physical and reapply for approval.

Call Monument Occupational Medicine today to schedule an aviation physical, or book your appointment online.