Forum: Civil and General Aviation

Well after fixing jets all my life I have decided to undertake flight school. I know I need a FAA physical and I do have high blood pressure that I control with meds. I hope that won't impede my progress. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge? If so I would love to hear it. Thanks.

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Check with the flight surgeon (FAA), it depends on the dosage and the type of "meds" taken (any side effects).

They will square you away, I too have high blood pressure, my meds control it and I still fly...depends, check with the FAA (case by case basis).

DO NOT go straight to a flight surgeon. Go see an AME (aviation medical examiner). They are the people you see for FAA physicals. They work for themselves, but are designated by the FAA as examiners and give out medical certificates. Make sure you get a medical certificate/student pilot certificate. Tell the AME as much as they need to know, no more. If it is beyond the scope of their approval authority, they will have you see someone from the FAA's regional office. (9 of these)

ATC..are you suggesting he work around the system? The FAA is very strict as you know, why would you not suggest he go directly to the source? I went directly to a flight surgeon (civilian doctor) and had no problem, he was certified by the FAA (as you suggested). I think you may be sending the wrong signal, why would you say that?

Elite 1K Joined: May 26, 2005 - 08:39 PM Posts: 1496

This post moved by the moderator to a new thread - Should civilian pilots be allowed?

Work around the system? No. Think of it like following chain of command - solve it at the lowest level possible. If an AME can give him a medical certificate, it is an easy process. If not, the AME can often help with how best to approach the situation with the FAA.

You say you saw a flight surgeon certified by the FAA - was this the doctor who worked in the FAA's regional headquarters (paycheck signed by the FAA), or did this doctor work for himself and was certified by the FAA to issue medical certificates?

FAA certified, worked directly supporting Cessna Aircraft out of Waco, Regional, Texas (back in 1996).

I was sent there by the company, I was told he did all of the organizations candidates.

OK, so you didn't see an FAA flight surgeon - you saw an AME. We are both talking about the same sort of person.

I guess we are - thanks

Forum: Civil and General Aviation

Private Pilots Physical