A Checklist for Pilots Approaching the Flight Physical

Richard R. Grayson, M.D.

Internal Medicine, Senior Aviation Medical Examiner

 330 Maple Lane,  Batavia, Illinois  60510

Home Page  http://www.doctorgrayson.com

Richard at doctorgrayson dot com

(630) 377-7073

Fax: (630) 406-1380

 

• Do not forget your eyeglasses.
• Make sure you have a current eye exam and glasses, especially if your near/far vision has changed.   Bring your Special Issuance letter from the FAA with you to the exam.
• If you have a Special Issuance medical, mail in all necessary medical information requested by the FAA by the required date.
• Bring all medical information outlined in your Special Issuance letter.
• Do not forget to tell your AME if you have one of the 15 disqualifying conditions: diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications; angina pectoris, coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that is symptomatic or clinically significant myocardial infarction; cardiac valve replacement; permanent cardiac pacemaker; heart replacement; psychosis;  bipolar disorder, personality disorder that is .severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts; substance dependence, substance abuse; epilepsy, disturbance of consciousness without a satisfactory explanation of the cause, and transient loss of nervous system function(s) without a satisfactory explanation of the cause.
• Bring all required records from your personal physician regarding any chronic medical condition. (Examples: hypertension and asthma).
• See your personal physician for evaluation and treatment prior to medical, exam if you have borderline high blood pressure.
• Avoid coffee, decongestants, cigarettes, or any other stimulants prior to your exam. These all may raise your blood pressure.
• If you have a family history of diabetes mellitus (or other familial diseases), you need to have periodic checks with your personal physician prior to medical exam.
• If you have a family history of diabetes mellitus, avoid large amounts of sugar prior to the exam. Urinalysis will show positive sugar if large amounts are consumed prior to exam.
• Mark on question 17a. (Under medications) if you are taking a prohibited medication on a regular basis.
• Do not forget your SODA (Statement of Demonstrated Ability; e.g., color vision defect)