Obtaining an aviation medical certificate is an essential step for an aspiring commercial pilot. While passing this exam is easy and painless for those of relatively good health, pilots with some health concerns may feel a little anxious about getting their aviation medical certificate.

Fortunately, there is some room for grace in this exam. If you’re not in perfect health, you still have a chance of receiving FAA approval.

Scheduling the Aviation Medical Exam

In order to obtain a certificate, you must schedule an appointment with an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner. Dr. John M. Guenst at St. Thomas Medical Group offers this exam. (He’s also a licensed airline transport pilot and certified flight instructor!) Meet Dr. Guenst and schedule here.

Undergoing the Exam

During the medical exam, Dr. Guenst will go over your health history and discuss any issues that may delay a certificate. Even though some medical conditions are considered disqualifying, they can sometimes be waived if they are considered to be adequately controlled. (Examples may include: heart disease, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, and others. Learn more.)

Eyesight (including color vision, near- and farsightedness, and peripheral vision) is checked, as well as your hearing. Urinalysis, a blood pressure exam, and questions about your mental health may also be included. If over the age of 40, an annual ECG may be part of the health requirements for flying.

After the Exam

An aviation medical exam can have one of three outcomes: approval, denial, or deferment to the FAA. An outright denial is uncommon. If your exam does not result in an approval, it’s common for the examiner to send the application on to the FAA for further approval.

For more information, you can view the latest guide for Aviation Medical Examiners here. This guide contains all the information you may want to know about the exam and regulations surrounding the process.

Schedule an Aviation Medical Exam in Nashville

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Guenst online using the following link. If you need to be seen sooner than the listed available appointments, please call the office, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

For more information on scheduling an aviation medical exam, call +1 (615) 964-5821.