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For U.S. FAA medical certification, an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) conducts the required aviation medical exam and makes the initial certification decision. Your primary-care doctor or treating specialist advises on your health and supplies clinical records, but cannot issue your FAA medical certificate just because they are your doctor. The roles work together: your clinician documents your medical status; the AME applies FAA certification standards. If the AME defers an application, the FAA may review it and request more information.
What is the difference between an AME and a primary-care doctor?
| Question | FAA-designated AME | Primary-care doctor or treating specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Evaluate an applicant for FAA medical certification. | Provide clinical care, including diagnosis and treatment. |
| Authority | The FAA delegates authority to assess applicants under applicable standards and to issue, defer, or deny a certificate. | Does not gain authority to issue an FAA certificate by treating the pilot. |
| Typical output | FAA medical examination and a certification decision, or a deferral for FAA review. | Medical records, clinical progress notes, and reports about the patient’s medical status. |
| Next step if more information is needed | The AME may defer the case to the FAA. | The treating clinician may provide care or documentation requested for the FAA process. |
The FAA describes an AME as “a physician with specific training in how to perform FAA exams.” The exam includes review of medical history and a physical examination; tests or measurements depend on the examination and applicant. FAA: How to get a medical certificate and what to expect during the AME examination.
What can your regular doctor advise you about?
Your primary-care doctor or treating specialist is the right person to discuss your diagnosis, treatment options, symptoms, and medication in the context of your care. The FAA also says reports about an airman’s medical status should be written by the treating provider. FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners: Authority of Aviation Medical Examiners.
Your clinician can explain your medical situation and provide records, but the AME—not the treating relationship—determines how the information fits FAA certification requirements. For questions about whether a condition, medication, or document meets those requirements, consult an AME and the current FAA guidance rather than relying on a general medical opinion.
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What does the AME decide, and what happens if the answer is not immediate?
The AME evaluates whether you meet the standards for the certificate sought. If the necessary documentation is present and you meet the applicable standards, the AME may issue the certificate. If the AME needs additional information or evaluation, the case may be deferred to the FAA for review. The FAA may request records and have physicians review the case. Missing or insufficient documentation can delay issuance or lead to denial. FAA applicant guidance on medical certification.
A deferral is not a denial: a deferral sends the case to the FAA for review, while a denial means the applicant did not meet the unrestricted standards. The FAA says special issuance may be possible for eligible applicants, depending on the circumstances. Do not treat a diagnosis alone as proof of automatic disqualification; requirements and review depend on the condition and applicable FAA guidance.
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Which medical certificate class should you ask about?
The appropriate class depends on the flying privileges you plan to exercise, not on a universal requirement for all pilots. The FAA describes first-, second-, and third-class certificates; for example, its guide connects ATP privileges with first-class certification and private-pilot privileges with third-class certification. Confirm the class relevant to your intended duties with current FAA guidance. FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners: Classes of Medical Certificates.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat records should you bring to an aviation medical exam?
If you have a current or past medical condition or take medication, check the relevant condition-specific instructions in the FAA AME Guide and ask the AME’s office what records to bring. For some conditions, FAA applicant guidance may call for a current, detailed Clinical Progress Note from a visit with the treating physician or specialist; the note may need to be no more than 90 days old. This is a condition-specific requirement, not a blanket rule for every applicant. FAA applicant guidance on medical records and treating-provider notes.
How should pilots coordinate between their doctor and AME?
- For health questions: Talk with the clinician responsible for your care about a diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, or medication.
- For FAA eligibility questions: Ask an FAA-designated AME how a condition, medication, or record may affect certification, and consult the current FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.
- Before the exam: If you have a current or past condition or take medication, ask the AME office which records to bring and give your treating clinician time to prepare any requested notes.
- If the AME defers your application: Follow the FAA’s written request for information; a deferral means further review, not an automatic denial.
- Check the certificate class: Match it to the privileges you plan to exercise.
FAA procedures and condition-specific guidance can change. The FAA Guide landing page reported a revision date of September 30, 2026, and says updates are posted periodically. Check the current guide and applicable instructions when preparing your application. FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When is a HIMS AME relevant?
The FAA describes HIMS AMEs as trained to evaluate airmen with substance- or alcohol-related conditions and certain mental conditions. They may provide sponsorship and monitoring when required for certification. This is a specialized pathway, not a requirement for every person with a history in those areas; ask the FAA or an AME about the pathway that applies to your circumstances. FAA Medical Certification.
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