What to expect during an FAA Medical

[Doug]

So I just scheduled my class 3 medical for a week or so away. I just wanted to get an idea what to expect. I realize that they check vision, blood pressure, and hearing, but what else goes on.

Some people have said they test for drugs, others have said they don't, they are only checking for proteins indicating a health problem.(I am not a drug user).

Also I have heard people say they inspect your rectum? is this true?

Just trying to get some straight answers on what to expect. As far as I know, i am in good health, and don't expect to have a problem, but I do want to know if I can expect to be dropping my pants, etc...

Thanks,
Doug

 

[cforst513]

Also I have heard people say they inspect your rectum? is this true?

hahaha, for a 3rd class medical? they only do that if you ask nicely.

i'd be talking to some other people and getting my info at a different place, if i was you...

in the meantime, check out subpart D at:
http://www.cami.jccbi.gov/aam-300/part67.html#d67301

i got here through the www.faa.gov website. that might be something you could look at to answer a few of your questions. i have 70-75% hearing in both ears and wear glasses, and i was able to get a first class medical, no problem. i haven't, however, ever smoked anything in my life. good luck.

 

[mayday1]

for a 3rd class medical, you basically have to be warm, and breathing.

i'm not sure what the urine test is for (drugs or medical conditions.. i don't know). the vision and hearing are pretty basic.. if i'm not mistaken for a 3rd class, your vision only has to be corrected to 20/40.

the rectal exam is the most thorough part.. be prepared, wear clean boxers.

 

[FarginDooshbahg]

Also I have heard people say they inspect your rectum? is this true?
Thanks,
Doug

Yes Doug, it's true. They inspect yer rectum.
A professional does it, however. Professional Rectum Inspector.

So, what do you do?
I'm a rectum inspector.
Professional?
Yep.
So...you inspect 'em?
Yep.
Rectums?
That's right. Rectums. I inspect 'em.
You inspect rectums?
That's right, I'm a rectum inspector.
Professional Rectum Inspector?
Yessir. Professional Rectum Inpector. I inspect yer rectum. But I AM a
professional...

So don't you fret none, Doug. That inspector inspectin' yer rectum WILL be a professional. And you can rest assured, he'll be good at it, too. Give ya a good, old-fashioned quality, rectum inspection.

 

[bafanguy]

Doug,


I'll try to give you a legit answer to your sincere question. I've been taking FAA Class 1 physicals for 38 years. I'm not a doctor, but play one on flightinfo.com.

FAA physicals are very basic medical exams until you get to age 40 when they add an EKG. They check your urine sample for things like blood, excessive sugar, or other chemicals that would indicate a hidden problem. It's done with a strip they dip in the sample that changes color if something is out of whack.

Drug testing is required for people doing other types of flying than what you are. You won't encounter that until you fly for a living. But, if you've "...smoked things occasionally..." FRIGGIN' STOP THAT SH!T !!!!!!!

They do not do a rectal exam unless you ask...it's for prostate problems that don't normally show up until you're, at a minimum, over 40. I have it done because my AME is normally the only doc I see and I need to know how that's going. I have blood work done too, but that's my request...not a requirement.

I suppose there's some latitude for the doc to check some general things. He might check for a hernia. I can't think of anything else that would require you to drop your pants.

Don't sweat it. If you contemplate flying professionally at some time in the future, get a Class 1 now in case there's something you don't know that would keep you from getting one as you'll have to have a Class 1 to fly professionally.

No sweat. You might want to be careful about the form you fill out; it's a legal document and the FAA takes it VERY seriously. If you have any question, talk to the doc before you put anything on paper.

 

[Doug]

Thanks for the info. I imagine all will be fine. As far as the first class, I never plan to fly for a living, so 3rd class is fine.

And as far as smoking, I mean cigarettes and cigars of course

 

[HMR]

You might want to be careful about the form you fill out; it's a legal document and the FAA takes it VERY seriously. If you have any question, talk to the doc before you put anything on paper.

Good Advice.

 

[FracCapt]

Some people have said they test for drugs, others have said they don't, they are only checking for proteins indicating a health problem.(I am not a drug user, although I have smoked things ocassionally).

Unless you ARE REALLY referring to just cigarettes and cigars, the bold phrase is quite contradictory. It can also get you busted. Marijuana can be detected for up to 90 days. Not that long in most people, but it depends on your specific body and how it deals with the toxins. Harder drugs can be detected for up to 120-180 days with traditional drug tests, and three to five times as long with things like hair tests.

Even if you only smoke things "occasionally", quit. Otherwise, don't fly.

 

[Doug]

Unless you ARE REALLY referring to just cigarettes and cigars, the bold phrase is quite contradictory. It can also get you busted. Marijuana can be detected for up to 90 days. Not that long in most people, but it depends on your specific body and how it deals with the toxins. Harder drugs can be detected for up to 120-180 days with traditional drug tests, and three to five times as long with things like hair tests.

Even if you only smoke things "occasionally", quit. Otherwise, don't fly.

This definitely won't be a problem, unless they will exclude me for tobacco. Who knows, maybe you aren't allowed to fly if you smoke socially.

I think you guys are focusing way too much on a marijuana angle...I ment it more as a joke, and if I ever did use drugs, which of course I cannot recall :wink:, it was most likely in HS/College which I am many years removed from.

I know you guys are just trying to be helpful, and suggest that I quit using marijuana if I am using it because it will show up on a test(and I should not be flying a plane if I do use it), but I do promise it is not an issue.

 

[JAFI]

Doug, I have had several family members who have either died from lung cancer or some form of health problems caused by tobacco products. It is a serious addiction and hard to break sometimes. My recommendation, quit now, it just gets ugly as the years go on.


JAFI