How to Prepare for an Aviation Exam

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) evaluations stand between you and your freedom to fly, whether you’re a commercial pilot, weekend flyer, or student. 

At Neurology Diagnostics, Inc. in Dayton, Ohio, Joel Vandersluis, MD, and our team conduct FAA-approved aviation exams designed to keep you in the cockpit while ensuring aviation safety.

Here’s what you need to know before coming in for your exam:

Aviation exams check more than you might expect

Your FAA medical exam goes deeper than a standard physical. The examiner will assess:

• Vision and hearing capabilities
• Blood pressure and heart function
• Neurological health
• Mental health status
• Overall physical condition

The exam gets more or less intensive depending on your certificate class. First Class certification demands the most thorough screening, while Third Class has less stringent requirements.

Bring your complete medical history to avoid delays

Many pilots get stuck due to incomplete medical disclosures. Before your appointment, gather information about previous surgeries, current medications, new diagnoses, vision prescriptions, and family history of significant conditions.

The FAA requires full transparency about your health. When pilots fail to disclose information about health conditions or medications, it typically creates more significant problems down the road. When in doubt, disclose it.

Simple changes before your exam can improve results

Some easy adjustments you can make to be in the best shape possible before the exam include:

• Cut back on caffeine and salt for 24-48 hours
• Get solid sleep for 2-3 nights beforehand
• Drink plenty of water
• Skip alcohol for at least 24 hours
• Take regular medications unless told otherwise

These steps won’t fix underlying health problems, but they prevent temporary spikes in blood pressure that could complicate your certification.

Some conditions need reporting; others just need management

Certain medical issues require immediate FAA notification, while others simply need proper management. Heart conditions, diabetes requiring medication, any loss of consciousness, seizures, and mental health conditions treated with medication must be reported because they can impact flight safety.

For borderline issues like slightly elevated blood pressure, it’s wiser to address them before your FAA exam. This proactive approach often prevents certification delays.

Don’t forget these essentials on exam day

Show up with:

• Government photo ID
• Your previous medical certificate
• Current medication list with dosages
• Glasses or contacts if you wear them
• Documentation for previously reported conditions
• FAA MedXPress confirmation number (required before exam)

Coming fully prepared shows your examiner you take your medical fitness seriously and speeds up the entire process.

Schedule your aviation exam with our experienced team

At Neurology Diagnostics, Inc., we understand how crucial your medical certification is to your flying career or hobby. Our FAA-approved exams provide fair assessments that balance safety requirements with your desire to stay in the air.

Call our Dayton office at 937-224-8200 or book online today to schedule your aviation medical exam.