Frequently Asked Questions

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Understanding which class of medical you need is the first step in your aviation career. We provide all classes of FAA exams across our Austin, San Antonio, and Houston locations.

Comparison of FAA Medical Classes

 Everything begins with the FAA MedXPress application. You must complete this online before your appointment. Be sure to use your full legal name as it appears on your ID and provide full disclosure of your medical history.

What should I bring to my medical exam?

• Your MedXPress Confirmation Number.
• A valid Government-issued photo ID.
• All required medical documents or FAA letters.
• Corrective lenses (glasses/contacts) if you use them.

 A smooth exam starts with proper preparation. We recommend starting your paperwork at least 30 days before your desired appointment.

• MedXPress Application: You must complete your application on the FAA MedXPress website prior to your arrival. Bring your Confirmation Number to your appointment.
• Medical Records: If you have any "Yes" answers in the medical history section (specifically regarding new diagnoses or medications), bring a status report from your treating physician.
• Medication Awareness: Ensure any medications you take are FAA-approved. If you are unsure, schedule an AME Consultation before your formal exam.
• Hydration and Diet: Avoid excessive caffeine and high-sugar foods 4 hours prior to your exam to ensure stable blood pressure and urinalysis results.

 We make it easy for pilots to maintain their certification by locating our offices at the Million Air FBOs at major airports.

• Austin (KAUS): Located at the Million Air FBO. Waived ramp fees for fly-in appointments.
• San Antonio (KSAT): Located at the Million Air FBO. Easy transportation services to/from terminals.
• Houston (HOU): Located at 7555 Ipswich Road, providing easy access for Hobby-based pilots.
• Bulverde: Our specialized hub for advanced Color Vision Expertise.
• Check In: For our Million Air locations, check in with the Million Air Staff then relax and enjoy the facility; they'll let your AME know you have arrived.

The exam includes a check of your height, weight, vision, and hearing, along with a basic physical. A urinalysis is required (to check for sugar/protein), but no blood work is performed. Ladies should note that while a jog bra is recommended for comfort during EKGs, there are no rectal, breast, or genital exams.

 Many conditions fall under CACI (Condition an AME Can Issue). If your condition is well-controlled, your AME can issue your certificate on the spot, provided you bring a Current Status Report (CSR) from your treating physician that meets the FAA’s specific worksheet criteria.

Common conditions that often allow for certification include:

• Hypertension: Must be well-controlled with FAA-approved medications.
• Sleep Apnea: Easily approved if you provide proof of CPAP compliance.
• Hormone Replacement: Testosterone therapy requires labs and a doctor’s note.
• Asthma: Usually issued if symptoms are stable and controlled.
• GO HERE: Visit our CACI Section for specific information and links. If you have any questions or concerns, schedule an AME Consultation and we’ll help you!

If your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) defers your application, it simply means they are not authorized to issue your certificate on the spot and must send your file to the FAA’s Aeromedical Certification Division in Oklahoma City for secondary review. Do not panic—a deferral is not a denial.

Immediate Steps to Take:

• Wait for the FAA Letter: Within 30–60 days, you should receive a formal letter from the FAA outlining exactly what additional medical records or evaluations they require.
• Do Not "Shotgun" Documents: Only provide exactly what the FAA asks for. Sending unrequested records can lead to further "gatekeeper" delays.
• Check Your Deadlines: The FAA typically gives you a 30- to 90-day window to respond. If you miss this, your application may be formally denied.
• Consult a Professional: Navigating the back-and-forth with the FAA can take 6–12 months if handled alone.   Consider scheduling an AME Consultation with one of our Expert AMEs who can review your case and provide oversight and guidance.  Or for more customized and focused attention to your case we also offer Case Management services.  You can read about both HERE.

Watch our detailed guide on navigating Delays and Denials here.

 If you cannot pass the standard plates, you aren't grounded. You can still receive a 3rd Class medical with a “Daylight, VFR Only" restriction. To remove this restriction for higher classes, you should visit our Bulverde Color Vision Expertise Center.

We offer the most advanced FAA-approved computerized tests:

• Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT): The "Gold Standard" military-grade test.
• Waggoner CCVT: A high-precision computerized screening tool.
• Note: Color-correcting lenses (like EnChroma) are strictly prohibited during FAA testing.

Texas AME is a premier center for pilots with color vision concerns. Our Bulverde office is equipped with advanced technology to help you overcome "Daylight Only" restrictions.

• Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT): A military-grade computerized test that is widely considered the gold standard for pilots who struggle with traditional Ishihara plates.
• Waggoner CCVT: A computerized color vision test approved by the FAA for rapid and accurate certification.
• Can a restriction be removed? Yes. By passing a specialized computerized test like the Rabin RCCT, we can often help pilots remove color vision restrictions from their medical certificates.
• Schedule your Enhanced FAA Color Vision Testing - RABIN CCT HERE.

 For pilots facing complex medical or mental health challenges, our HIMS-certified team acts as your "quarterback" through the FAA deferral process.

• What is a HIMS AME? A HIMS AME is specifically trained to coordinate evaluations for substance abuse, mental health (Anxiety/Depression/ADHD), and complex medical conditions.
• Case Management vs. Consultation:
  • AME Consultation: A one-time, 30-minute review of your history to provide a roadmap for your certification.
  • Professional Case Management: A full-service engagement where we manage all document review, processing, and direct submission to the FAA on your behalf.
• Integrated Mental Health: We offer a "one-stop-shop" by integrating with HIMS-certified psychologists and psychiatrists to expedite your return to the cockpit.  Check out UnitedAME.com for integrated Mental Health Partners!

 An Authorization for Special Issuance is a specific authorization that allows you to fly even if you have a typically disqualifying condition, provided it is stable and well-monitored.

Schedule an AME Consultation to learn more about your specific condition and how we can help you get medically certified!

 HIMS (Human Intervention Motivation Study) is a specialized pathway for pilots dealing with substance use or complex mental health issues (like Depression, Anxiety, or ADHD).

• The HIMS AME: Acts as the "Quarterback" of your team.
• The Team: May include HIMS-certified psychologists and psychiatrists.
• Cost: These services are specialized and typically paid out-of-pocket.
• Schedule a HIMS AME Services appointment if you believe this applies to you.

•  AME Consultation: A one-time session to review your history and build a "roadmap" before you submit a formal application. This is highly recommended if you are worried about a specific diagnosis.  Also helpful for deferred exams to understand the next steps.
• Case Management: An ongoing, professional service where the AME manages all document review and direct communication with the FAA after a case has been deferred. This can significantly reduce the typical time it may take for FAA review and processing.

 Per Federal Regulations, you must not fly if you have a known medical condition that would make you unable to meet the requirements of your medical certificate. You should report the condition to your AME or the FAA promptly to manage your certification status.

SCHEDULE AN AME CONSULTATION - Let us help you!

The FAA does not want medical decisions to be influenced by perception of how it might affect medical certification.

As such, they do not publish a single comprehensive "Yes" list. Instead, policies are based on FAR 61.53, which prohibits flying while taking any medication that affects your faculties.

An AME Consultation can help you figure out which medications are okay to take.

1.  Stop Flying: Per the CFRs, you must self-ground until you are sure there are no side effects.
2. Wait Period: For many "allowed" meds, the FAA requires a 48-hour (or more) observation period after the first dose.
3. Consult Your AME: Before your next exam, check if your medication requires a CACI status report from your doctor.

 No. The FAA views a "normal" pregnancy as a physiological condition, not an illness. Under FAR 61.53, you may continue to fly as long as the pregnancy is uncomplicated and you feel fit to perform your duties.

Key Considerations for Pregnant Pilots:

• First Trimester: Be mindful of "morning sickness" or fatigue that could impair your decision-making. If medication is required for nausea, you must ensure it is FAA-approved.
• Second & Third Trimester: As the pregnancy progresses, physical limitations (such as the ability to reach full control deflection or fit comfortably in the cockpit) become the primary safety concern.
• Grounding Rules: There is no FAA-mandated "stop date," but many airlines and operators transition pilots to ground duties between the 26th and 30th week.