FAA Pilot Resource Center
Everything you need to prepare for your FAA medical exam — certificate classes, medication lookup, CACI worksheets, and pre-visit checklists.
Everything you need to prepare for your FAA medical exam — certificate classes, medication lookup, CACI worksheets, and pre-visit checklists.
Dr. Efraim Kessous is an FAA-authorized Senior Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) performing Class 1, 2, and 3 medical exams. Use the resources below to prepare for your visit and avoid unnecessary deferrals.
The FAA issues three classes of medical certificates. The class you need depends on how you fly. Montgomery Medical Clinic performs all three classes.
Required for pilots exercising Airline Transport Pilot privileges — flying as pilot-in-command in scheduled air carrier operations. This is the highest medical standard.
Required for commercial operations outside of airline flying — flight instructors, charter pilots, crop dusters, and other commercial certificate holders.
Required for private, recreational, and student pilots. This is the lowest medical standard and the most common starting point for new pilots.
| Medical Class | Privileges | Under Age 40 | Age 40 & Older |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Class | Airline Transport Pilot | 12 months | 6 months |
| 2nd Class | Commercial Pilot | 12 months | 12 months |
| 3rd Class | Private / Student Pilot | 60 months (5 years) | 24 months (2 years) |
The validity "clock" starts on the last day of the month the exam was performed.
Your FAA medical certificate doesn't just expire — it automatically drops down in privileges. When your Class 1 validity period ends, the same certificate becomes a Class 2. When the Class 2 period ends, it becomes a Class 3. You do not need a new piece of paper for this to happen.
Example: If you are a Class 1 pilot over age 40 and miss your 6-month renewal, you can still fly under Commercial (Class 2) privileges for another 6 months, or as a Private Pilot (Class 3) for up to another 18 months — all on the same certificate.
Whether this is your first FAA medical or your twentieth renewal, the requirements are different. Select your situation below.
Tip for parents: If you accompany your child for their first student pilot exam, you cannot complete the MedXPress application on their behalf. The FAA requires the applicant to complete their own application.
Complete these steps before your appointment to ensure a smooth exam and avoid unnecessary delays or deferrals.
Good to know: Applicants must be at least 16 years old and able to read, speak, write, and understand English. You do not need to bring your pilot logbook. The airman medical exam is not a substitute for an annual preventive physical with your primary care physician. The exam typically takes 30–60 minutes.
One of the most common reasons for FAA medical deferrals is medication use. Search our database of over 1,000 medications to quickly check if your prescription is FAA-approved, conditionally allowed, or prohibited. Always verify with the official sources linked below.
For informational purposes only. Based on publicly available FAA guidance. Always verify with official sources or call (301) 208-2273.
Even common over-the-counter medications may require a "no-fly" waiting period:
CACI stands for Conditions AMEs Can Issue. These are specific medical conditions that Dr. Kessous can certify at the time of your exam — without deferring the decision to the FAA in Oklahoma City — provided you meet the criteria on the corresponding worksheet.
To expedite your certification, download the appropriate worksheet and have your treating physician complete a Current Detailed Clinical Progress Note (DCPN) dated within 90 days of your exam. Bring both to your appointment.
Covers stable osteoarthritis and certain autoimmune arthritis conditions managed with approved medications.
PDF WorksheetFor well-controlled symptoms with limited rescue inhaler use. Requires pulmonary function testing documentation.
PDF WorksheetFor applicants at least 5 years post-treatment or on specific maintenance therapy with stable monitoring.
PDF WorksheetFor treated or stable breast cancer with documentation of treatment completion and current monitoring status.
PDF WorksheetRequires documented stability with imaging and neurological evaluation confirming no acute events.
PDF WorksheetFor stable platelet counts managed with approved therapy and documented hematology follow-up.
PDF WorksheetRequires specific lab values (GFR, creatinine) demonstrating stability. Staging criteria must be met.
PDF WorksheetChronic lymphocytic leukemia or SLL with documented stability and hematology/oncology follow-up.
PDF WorksheetIncludes ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and IBS. Covers approved medications including GC-C agonists and selective abdominal modulators.
PDF WorksheetFor localized, treated, or stable monitored colorectal cancer with documentation of treatment and surveillance.
PDF WorksheetNeurological evaluation required. Must demonstrate tremor does not interfere with safe aircraft operation.
PDF WorksheetRequires specific visual field testing (Humphrey 24-2 or 30-2) and documentation of stable intraocular pressures.
PDF WorksheetFor chronic hepatitis C with documented viral load, liver function testing, and treatment status.
PDF WorksheetAllows combinations of up to three approved medications. Must demonstrate blood pressure control within FAA limits.
PDF WorksheetFor stable conditions with a current TSH lab result within normal range. One of the most common CACI conditions.
PDF WorksheetFor testosterone replacement therapy with documented stable lab values and treatment plan.
PDF WorksheetMetabolic-associated or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with documented liver function stability and monitoring.
PDF WorksheetCovers specific preventive and abortive treatments. Narcotics, Fiorinal, Fioricet, and Midrin are not acceptable. Required "no-fly" wait times apply.
PDF WorksheetPost-surgical cardiac evaluation required with echocardiogram and documentation of functional recovery.
PDF WorksheetRequires documentation of condition stability, current treatment plan, and relevant lab values.
PDF WorksheetFor those managed by diet or Metformin with an A1C ≤ 6.5%. Requires current lab documentation of glycemic control.
PDF WorksheetIron overload condition requiring documented ferritin levels, treatment history, and organ function monitoring.
PDF WorksheetFor localized, treated, or stable monitored prostate cancer. Requires PSA levels and treatment documentation.
PDF WorksheetStable psoriasis managed with approved topical or systemic treatments. Dermatology documentation required.
PDF WorksheetTreated or stable renal cancer with imaging surveillance and oncology documentation of remission status.
PDF WorksheetRequires imaging documentation showing stone size and location, plus clinical assessment of symptom stability.
PDF WorksheetFor treated testicular cancer with documentation of treatment completion and surveillance monitoring.
PDF WorksheetCovers the use of approved GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) for weight management.
PDF WorksheetFull list available at FAA CACI Conditions page. Worksheets are official FAA documents (PDF).
The most comprehensive aviation medication resource. Search by trade name, generic name, category, or purpose.
Search full database →Official AME Guide drug-by-drug reference covering approved, conditional, and prohibited medications.
View guide →Medications that automatically disqualify you from certification.
View DNI/DNF list →Over-the-counter meds that are generally allowed, with required wait times.
View OTC guide →Quick-reference PDF on common medications, wait times, and AME discussion points.
Download PDF →FAA article on the relationship between medications, flying, and your medical certificate.
Read article →Common questions about FAA medical certification, medications, and CACI.
CACI stands for Conditions AMEs Can Issue. These are specific medical conditions that your Aviation Medical Examiner can certify at the time of your exam without deferring the decision to the FAA in Oklahoma City.
You must meet the criteria on the corresponding worksheet and bring a Current Detailed Clinical Progress Note (DCPN) from your treating physician dated within 90 days. See the full CACI list above.
Your certificate doesn't expire immediately — it "steps down" to the next lower class. A Class 1 becomes a Class 2, then eventually a Class 3. You can continue flying under the lower privileges until the Class 3 validity period expires completely.
You do not need a new certificate for this to happen. See the step-down rule for a full example.
Yes, this is mandatory. Complete your application (Form 8500-8) at medxpress.faa.gov before your appointment. Bring your Confirmation Number and a printed copy. The application is valid for 60 days.
Check these resources in order:
If you're unsure, call our office at (301) 208-2273 before your exam.
BasicMed is an alternative to traditional FAA medical certification for non-commercial pilots. If you held a valid medical certificate after July 15, 2006, you can fly under BasicMed by:
BasicMed has aircraft and operational limitations. Learn more at FAA BasicMed.
FAA medical exams are generally not covered by insurance, as they are classified as regulatory/occupational screening exams rather than diagnostic medical visits. Payment is expected at the time of the exam.
Call (301) 208-2273 for current pricing.
If you don't meet the medical criteria, your application may be deferred to the FAA in Oklahoma City for further evaluation. Dr. Kessous will serve as your advocate in this process, helping gather the necessary records and documentation.
Important: The airman medical exam is an occupational screening exam, not a therapeutic physician visit. Tests required for your airman certificate are not covered under general medical services.
Book online or call us to set up your aviation medical examination with Dr. Kessous.