Medical

[SharkFisher]

I know most airlines require a first or second medical. Besides having 20/20 vision, what are the specific attributes that one needs to meet in order to achieve a 1st class medical? Is this medical any different from say having a medical prior to joining a highschool or college sports team?

[naunga]

[ QUOTE ]
I know most airlines require a first or second medical. Besides having 20/20 vision, what are the specific attributes that one needs to meet in order to achieve a 1st class medical? Is this medical any different from say having a medical prior to joining a highschool or college sports team?

[/ QUOTE ]
First off you don't need 20/20 vision. You need a distant visual acuity that is correctable to 20/20, and a near visual accuity that is correctable to 20/40. You also need normal color vision (i.e. not color blind, but there are options even if you are).

If you want the specifics of the First Class Medical requirements check out the FAR's (you can find these at www.faa.gov, or in the transportation section of most bookstores.) Look at section 67.101.

The process of getting the medical isn't much different from a normal physical, with the exception of the paperwork and the cost (typically around $80 for a First Class and insurance will not cover it). It's also different since you can't have any MD do it. The doctor must be an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). This means they're authorized by the FAA to give medicals.

If you're healthy with no major problems (i.e. no heart problems, no mental isssues including ADD or ADHD, etc.) then you'll walk in, fill out the form, pay your money, get examined, and walk out with a medical certificate. If you have some problems then things may take a little longer depending.

If you're just starting your training, then you might consider getting a Third Class medical. Typically it saves you a little money and it's easier to get, but some people (like me) get their First Class meds right from the get-go, just to see if they can get it (I had some problems so I needed to know just how far I can go in aviation...medically).

Good luck.

Naunga

[pscraig]

I did the above and got a first class when I started training, just to ensure there would be no problems later on. However I don't think there is actually much difference in a 1st or 3rd class, maybe some tolerances, but the basics are the same. One thing that can cause issues later on is heart trouble, and those are not checked until you reach age 35 when an EKG becomes part of the class I physical. I'm not necessarily advocating getting an EKG now, but just be aware it's coming. I did get one from a doctor acquaintance before I went to flight school.

[KevinJH87]

I just got my first medical a couple weeks ago. I went for my first class and all it consisted of was an eye test, blood pressure test, and checking my heart. It seemed like the only difference with 1st class, at least for an 18 year old, was the more stringent standards with eye sight.