Questions pilots ask before booking.
If your question is not here, put it on your booking request and Dr. Edmondson will answer it before your appointment.
Not every question has a page.
Dr. Edmondson answers his own inquiries. If your situation is not covered below, describe it on your booking request and he will tell you what to expect and what to bring before you come in.
Before the exam
What do I need to do before my FAA medical exam?+
Complete the FAA MedXPress form (FAA 8500-8) online before your appointment. You will receive a confirmation number that must be presented at your exam. Open FAA MedXPress (opens in new tab).
What should I bring?+
Your MedXPress confirmation number, a government photo ID, the corrective lenses you fly with, and a current medication list. Bring any FAA correspondence if you have an existing special issuance.
How should I prepare for my first exam?+
Dr. Edmondson strongly recommends reading the FAA's Know Before You Go. It is excellent preparation for a first exam, and for any pilot with a new or ongoing medical condition. Open Know Before You Go (PDF) (opens in new tab), or see how to prepare.
Do I need an appointment?+
Yes. Appointments are by request; send a booking request and we will confirm a time.
The exam itself
What does the exam cover?+
Vision including distant, near, and color vision; hearing; blood pressure and pulse; urinalysis; and the general physical examination the FAA specifies, along with a review of the history you filed.
Do you perform EKGs on site?+
Yes. We provide on-site FAA-approved EKGs, along with color vision testing, so First Class applicants complete everything in a single visit.
When is an EKG required?+
For First Class applicants, at the first exam after your 35th birthday and annually from age 40.
Will I leave with my certificate?+
Qualified applicants are issued at the time of the exam. Some applications must be deferred to the FAA for review, and Dr. Edmondson will explain what happens next.
Certificates and duration
How long is a First Class medical good for?+
For ATP privileges, 12 months if you were under 40 at the exam and 6 months if you were 40 or older. It then continues to cover commercial privileges through month 12, and private privileges through month 60 or month 24 depending on your age at the exam.
How long is a Second Class medical good for?+
12 months for commercial privileges at any age, then it continues at the Third Class duration for private privileges.
How long is a Third Class medical good for?+
60 months if you were under 40 at the exam, 24 months if you were 40 or older. Turning 40 during the period does not shorten it.
Which class do I need?+
It depends on the privileges you exercise, not the aircraft. See the exam pages, or ask on your booking request.
Cost, location, and complex cases
How much does a pilot medical exam cost?+
First, Second, and Third Class FAA medical exams are $210. The FAA-approved EKG add-on is $50. We accept cash, check, or credit card.
Where are you located?+
On airport property at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, 4521 Corporate Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512. Mapping services may not locate the building accurately, so follow the directions on our location page.
Can you help with a special issuance or a complex medical history?+
Yes. We assist with complex FAA medical issues and special issuance cases, acting as your liaison for faster resolutions.
Do you examine student pilots?+
Yes. We perform initial medical certifications for student pilots as well as renewals for First, Second, and Third Class certificates.
Call and ask. It is a short conversation.