Aviation Medical Examinations
CLASS 1
Necessary to exercise the privileges of a pilot-in-command for flight operations that require an Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
Examples: Airline Pilots (Delta, Spirit, Endeavor, etc); Corporate Jet PIC.
Valid for 6 calendar months if pilot is 40 years or older.
Valid for 12 calendar months if pilot is less than 40 years old.
CLASS 2
Necessary to exercise the privileges of a pilot-in-command of commercial aviation duties not requiring an Airline Pilot certificate.
Examples: banner towing, agricultural operations, non-jet corporate aviation.
Valid for 12 calendar months.
CLASS 3
Necessary to exercise the privileges of a private pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, student pilot certificate or a flight instructor certificate.
Examples: general aviation.
Valid for 24 calendar months (2 years) if pilot is 40 years or older.
Valid for 60 calendar months (5 years) if pilot is less than 40 years old.
HIMS Examinations
HIMS exams are a necessary part of the Human Intervention Motivation Study Program, a comprehensive evaluation program for pilots with complex psychiatric histories and substance use disorders including alcohol. Dr. Freitas is a HIMS-trained AME, specializing in supporting pilots with mental health concerns.
He does not currently offer support for the substance use program.
CACI/Special IssuanceS/ AME-Assisted SI
Special Issuance
An Authorization for Special Issuance is a process by which the FAA can approve a medical certificate for a pilot with health concerns that would historically be disqualifying that do not meet the CACI criteria.
Special Issuance-related record reviews and submissions are included in the regular exam cost, assuming they are able to be completed during the allotted medical certification exam appointment time. Complex or multiple Special Issuances may incur extra fees based on the time required.
CACI
A “Condition an AME Can Issue” or CACI is a health condition that is historically disqualifying per the FAA, but after record review is shown to be controlled enough that the AME can still issue a medical certificate to the pilot. These often require review and occasionally submission of the applicable medical records.
CACI-related record reviews/submissions are included in the regular exam cost, assuming they are able to be completed during the regular exam appointment time. Complex or multiple CACIs may incur extra fees based on the time required.
AASI
An AME-Assisted Special Issuance is an FAA authorization that permits the AME to issue subsequent medical certificate to a pilot with an established Special Issuance. One AASI-associated record review and submission is included in the exam cost, assuming it is able to be completed during a regular exam appointment time.
We are happy to provide required AASI record review and potential certificate issuance WITHOUT an aviation medical exam when dictated by the FAA. This can be booked separately on our scheduling page.
Add-On Options
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WAGGONER Computerized Color Vision Testing
For your convenience, we offer the newly required Waggoner Computerized Color Vision Testing in our office, which is required by the FAA for all first time applicants and those returning pilots with prior color vision limitations who would like to upgrade their certificate class. Please add this to your appointment if it is necessary when booking.
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Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Electrocardiograms are required for a first-class medical at the first application after reaching the 35th birthday and on an annual basis after reaching the 40th birthday. An outside EKG may be brought in for interpretation if it was performed within 60 days of the appointment. EKGs are not required for second or third class examinations unless the AME finds reason to do so.
Pre-Examination Consultations
If you have questions or concerns about the aviation medical examination process or want to discuss the impact of a particular health condition on your medical exam, we recommend booking a private consultation.
A consultation allows further understanding of the FAA requirements for specific medical conditions in a no-risk, no-pressure environment. This decreases the risk of a deferral by ensuring you are aware of all needed records and can complete all necessary tests prior to coming in for the exam. This allows the physicians to review all required records immediately and upload them electronically to the FAA, improving the chances of issuing a permit same day.
We can also do custom post-examination consultations for pilots who were temporarily denied by the FAA or have received an FAA request for more information or records. By helping pilots understand the most efficient pathway to recertification and advocating for pilots to the FAA, we pride ourselves on our ability to get you flying again. Please contact us for more information.
