WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY EXAM?
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Before your exam, you are required to complete the FAA MedXPress Form 8500-8 online at medxpress.faa.gov. This form is your official application for an Airman Medical Certificate and must be submitted before your appointment.
Once completed, you’ll receive a confirmation number—be sure to print and bring a copy of your completed form. Without it, your exam cannot be started.
Take your time reviewing the form carefully, especially sections related to medical history, medications, and legal disclosures (including traffic or alcohol-related offenses). Honesty and accuracy are essential; discrepancies can delay your certification or trigger FAA follow-up.
Filling out the MedXPress form ahead of time ensures your appointment runs smoothly and helps keep you flying without interruptions.
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Bring all letters or communications you’ve received from the FAA, especially if they relate to a medical certification, special issuance, deferral, or request for additional information. This includes any Authorization for Special Issuance, Letters of Demonstrated Ability (LODA/SODA), or follow-up instructions from prior exams.
These documents provide important context and guidance for your Airman Medical Examiner and are often necessary to complete your certification or renewal. Without them, your exam may be delayed or deferred. If you’ve had FAA involvement in the past—even years ago—bring everything you have. When in doubt, include it.
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If you have any current or past medical conditions that could impact your flight status—such as a history of cardiac issues, sleep apnea, psychiatric treatment, or neurological conditions—it’s essential to bring documentation that clearly outlines your diagnosis, treatment plan, and current status. This includes any special issuance authorizations, status reports, test results, or letters from treating physicians.
Providing this documentation upfront helps avoid unnecessary delays in certification and allows Dr. Walters to make a more informed, efficient assessment. If you're unsure whether something is relevant, it's always better to bring it.
Being proactive with documentation is one of the most effective ways to keep your medical clear and your logbook active.
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Bring a complete list of all prescription medications you are currently taking. Include the name of each medication, dosage, frequency, and the reason it was prescribed. If you take multiple medications or have recently changed prescriptions, bringing the actual bottles or a printed list from your pharmacy or doctor can be helpful.
Some medications may require additional documentation or FAA review, even if they don’t affect your ability to fly. Having this information readily available allows Dr. Walters to assess your application accurately and avoid unnecessary delays or deferrals.
If you’re unsure whether a medication is relevant, it’s best to disclose it. Transparency helps ensure a smooth and timely certification process.
HOW MUCH DOES THE EXAM COST?
Flight physical fees are based on the class of certification:
Third Class – $175
Second Class – $200
First Class – $225
First Class with EKG – $250
Payment is accepted via cash, check, Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle.
If you’re unsure which class you need, feel free to reach out prior to your appointment—we’re happy to help you determine the right exam for your certificate type.
ABOUT THE EXAM
Just like your aircraft, you need a regular checkup to stay airworthy. Dr. Walters works with pilots to keep them flying—and to help them return to the skies if temporarily grounded. The FAA places special emphasis on four key areas. Reviewing the following in advance can help prevent unnecessary delays:
1. VISION
A standard vision test is part of every exam, bring any glasses or contacts you wear, including readers. There is no penalty for using corrective lenses during your exam.
If you have a waiver, SODA, or Letter of Demonstrated Ability, please bring the documentation.
3. Medical History
If you've seen a physician in the past two to three years, please bring:
The date of your visit
The physician’s full name and address
The reason for the visit
A list of any prescription medications
*Even visits unrelated to flight performance must be reported on your MedXPress form.
2. BLOOD PRESSURE
Your blood pressure must be below 155/95 to meet FAA standards without additional evaluation.
If elevated, we’ll give you time to relax and retake the measurement
Avoid caffeine prior to your appointment
4. MedXPress Review
Read your MedXPress submission carefully before your exam.
Be prepared to discuss:
Any legal issues (including DUIs, traffic violations, etc.)
Medication usage
Flight experience details
Honesty is key. While an AME may not initially see everything in your background, the FAA does. Transparency helps ensure a smoother process and avoids delays.