5 Dos and Don’ts: How to Ace Your FAA Medical Exam Preparation and transparency are key. By Dan Monlux Your FAA medical exam isn’t just another doctor’s visit—it’s your ticket to the cockpit. Although over 94% of pilot applicants obtain their certificates, small mistakes can create big delays in the process. Here are five dos and don’ts to help ensure your exam goes smoothly. 1 DO prepare like it’s a checkride. Treat your aviation medical examiner (AME) appointment like you’re adding a new rating with a designated pilot examiner. Show up organized, bring relevant documents (especially if you have a medical condition), and know what your AME expects. If you have any medical condition, make sure you understand how it will affect your medical certification before you schedule your AME exam. And if you’re flying under a special issuance or CACI (conditions AMEs can issue), have every required piece of paperwork ready. A well-prepped pilot makes the AME’s job easier—and improves your chances of medical certification. 2 DON’T lie or omit information. Lying or “forgetting” something on your application is a surefire way to land in trouble. Your AME may give you the benefit of the doubt once. After that, your credibility fades quickly. Always be honest—your flying future depends on it. Avoid careless errors, communicate with your examiner, and respect the process. 3 DO prepare in advance if you have a known condition. Many medical conditions, such as hypertension or asthma, fall under the CACI program, which allows AMEs to issue your certificate if you provide the right medical documentation. With the right preparation, even a heart attack or insulin-dependent diabetes doesn’t have to ground you forever. Know what’s required, and bring it all to your exam. With proper due diligence, you’ll keep your certificate in hand or—at the very worst—minimize the time you spend grounded. 4 DON’T show up sick, injured, or without your glasses. It sounds obvious, but pilots still forget. Your AME evaluates you as you are on exam day. Show up with a fever, limping, or without reading glasses? You’re not getting certified. Reschedule if needed—days lost are better than months lost. 5 DO take your doctor’s advice seriously. If you’re managing a condition, ignoring your doctor’s recommendations can raise red flags. The FAA cares less about the condition and more about how you manage it. Well-documented, stable treatment makes for a smoother path to certification. Dan Monlux, MD, is an FAA senior HIMS (human intervention motivation study) AME. As the medical director at Wingman Med, he specializes in helping pilots navigate the FAA medical certification process. A US Navy veteran, he holds an ATP certificate and is a CFI for single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument flight.
