Texas Aviation Medical Resources FAQ

First-class medical is required for pilots who exercise airline transport pilot (ATP) privileges; that is, those flying scheduled airliners and other pilots whose employers require this level of certification. A first-class medical is valid for ATP privileges for twelve months for pilots under age 40. Pilots who are age 40 and older must renew First class medical certificates every six months.

A Second class is required for pilots who fly commercially—in operations such as crop dusting or carrying passengers or cargo for hire. The Second class medical is valid for commercial privileges for 12 months.

A Third class medical certificate is appropriate for student pilots or private pilots who fly for fun business, but not for hire. A third-class medical is valid for 60 months for pilots under age 40 and 24 months for applicants who are age 40 or older.

Complete your MedXpress application and have your confirmation number for the appointment. The exam cannot be performed without this confirmation number. Please click on the hyperlink or go to https://medxpress.faa.gov/medxpress/

Get plenty of sleep the night before your exam

Avoid alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine within 8hrs of your exam.

Drink plenty of water.

Bring all medications or an accurate list of medications with their dosages and frequency.

Bring all required paperwork, including documents issued by the FAA, including SODAs, AASI, or special issuance documentation. Bring all medical documents and letters of stability from Physicians regarding CACI/AASI conditions.

***Please note that if paperwork is not complete or provided in order to submit your medical certificate at the time of the appointment, you will need to reschedule within 14 days before the FAA automatically closes your application. A consultation fee will be charged for the visit instead of the fee for medical certification.

Conditions that require Special Issuance / Waiver
If you have a condition that has or will require a special issuance or CACI condition, you should obtain FAA documentation of pre-approval through Texas Aviation Medical Resources through our consultation services or concierge medical handling.

Concierge/Priority Handling
Navigating through the maze of FAA medical certification can be especially daunting when you're on a Special Issuance, AASI (AME-assisted special Issuance), or CACI condition. Let us take the headache and confusion out of the whole process for you. With Concierge/Priority handling, we will handle all the document processing that goes into keeping your ticket fly. This includes facilitating appointments with you and your PCP/Specialist; reminders set up 60 days in advance of the document due dates to provide you with ample time to get forms signed. These documents are emailed directly to you, so there is no confusion regarding what is needed to submit. Not to mention priority scheduling for your flight physical which includes extended appointment times, same-day or after-hours appointments, and direct access to the AME 24/7 via phone, email, or text message. This personalized level of service allows the pilot to worry less about the administrative side of things and focus more on flying. Prices are $500-$2500 depending on case complexity and are billed on an annual basis. Please call to set up an initial consultation.

Doctor visits since your last medical or in the last 3 years
If you have been to the doctor for anything other than routine check-ups or general counseling, you should bring documentation to the FAA examination. In many cases, additional information from your specialist is required.

Please bring your glasses or contacts to your appointment*

First and Second class certificated require distance vision correctable to 20/20 and near vision to meet standards of 20/40 or better.

Third-class certificates require 20/40 or better for distance and near visual acuity.

You also must pass a color vision screening examination. If you have a color vision deficiency, you may still be eligible to fly with certain limitations for day-only flights, or you may be referred to the FAA to pass a color vision test by demonstrated ability.

155/95mmHg or lower is required for medical certification, with or without medication.

BasicMed is an alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements. Print off a FAAForm 8700-2, BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC), and get your physical exam with a state-licensed physician. Then complete an online medical course, and you're ready to fly!

1. Comply with the general BasicMed requirements (possess a U.S. driver's license, have held a medical after July 14, 2006).
2. Get a physical exam through Texas Aviation Medical Resources using the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist
3. Complete a BasicMed medical education course;
4. Go fly!

There are two free online courses to choose from:

• Mayo Clinic BasicMed Online Training Course
• AOPA's BasicMed Medical Self-Assessment: A Pilot's Guide to Flying Healthy

Basic Med Aircraft and Operating Requirements

• Any aircraft authorized under federal law to carry not more than six occupants
• Has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 6,000 pounds
• Carries not more than five passengers
• Operates under VFR or IFR, within the United States, at less than 18,000 feet MSL, not exceeding 250 knots.
• Flight not operated for compensation or hire

Medical Conditions Requiring One Special Issuance Before Operating under BasicMed

• A mental health disorder, limited to an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of—
  • A personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself through overt acts;
  • A psychosis is defined as a case in which an individual —
    • Has manifested delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of psychosis; or
    • May reasonably be expected to manifest delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of psychosis;
  • A bipolar disorder; or
  • A substance dependence within the previous two years, as defined in §67.307(a)(4) of 14 Code of Federal Regulations
• A neurological disorder limited to an established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:
  • Epilepsy;
  • Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause; or
  • A transient loss of control of nervous system functions without a satisfactory medical explanation of the cause.
• A cardiovascular condition, limited to a one-time special issuance for each diagnosis of the following:
  • Myocardial infarction;
  • Coronary heart disease that has required treatment;
  • Cardiac valve replacement; or
  • Heart replacement.

Conditions AMEs Can Issue (CACI) is a series of conditions that allow AMEs to regular issue if the applicant meets the parameters of the CACI Condition Worksheet. The worksheets provide detailed instructions to the examiner and outline condition-specific requirements for the applicant.