FAA Medical

Next Monday, I'm scheduled to go for my FAA Medical Exam. I'm going to be eating clean (no caffeine, cut back on the calories) for a few days to get ready and to keep my blood pressure down.

It's interesting to see who the doctor's are who do these exams. One is an orthopedist, another is the Chief of Neurosurgery for a major university hospital! I guess they do these physicals to break up their day. Some are pilots, so they clearly do it to help others to fly. It can't be for the money - they're getting less than their usual hourly rate for these.

Some sites with info on getting an FAA Medical to become a pilot, or to hold some other air traffic related jobs:

FAA Page on Medicals - a few notes on getting an FAA medical.

Virtual Flight Surgeons - these folks will help push your case through the FAA for a largish fee. Probably a good idea if you have a serious condition. Lots of useful free stuff here, too.


posted by Mark Smith at 1:12 PM

I'm back again

Lately, I'm looking seriously into learning to fly (airplanes, not flapping my wings). At this point, since I have a few medical quirks that the FAA might have an issue with, I'm at the point of getting my medical. After that I'll have to find the right flying school and instructor.

Here are a few links:

Airplane Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) - They have a neat free 6-month membership and magazine subscription for student pilots

Cessna's Learn to Fly site



posted by Mark Smith at 1:52 PM