You do not need a medical certificate until you fly by yourself.
It is suggested that you get your medical before you go to any
major expense of time, money or effort. Once a pilot, your concern
is not the checkrides. Rather, it is the continuation of your
medical that will allow you to become an old pilot.
The medical is used to determine if there is any condition
that could impair your ability to fly. There are three classes
of medical certification. First Class is good for six-months as
for airline transport pilots. Second Class is for one-year as
for pilots who fly for hire such as sightseeing flights. Third
Class is for 24 months and covers all other pilots. Another Third
Class medical includes a yellow student pilot certificate. Glider
pilots do not need a medical. These parameters may change in 1995.
As of 1995 changes have occurred mainly based on how often a medical
renewal is required. Age is the dividing line.
The medical standards are in FAR Part 67. FAA Form 8500-8 is
the "Application for a Medical Certificate." All of
the information on this application must be answered truthfully
and completely. Any change in this information that would affect
your ability to fly or pass the medical requires that you ground
yourself.
Every medical certificate can have waivers of such things as
limited vision, hearing, or color blindness. A certificate may
have limitations such as wearing glasses or no night flight. A
Special Issue Medical Certificate can be issued if the pilot can
prove that it will not unpredictably affect his flying performance.
Any medical condition can be certified if it is not a risk to
safe flight. One eyed, deaf, one armed, and wheelchair bound pilots
have become successful pilots. Some conditions of diabetes and
heart disease can be made worse in the flying environment and
preclude any certificate.
New changes in medical certification are:
All Classes No vision waiver required if corrected to 20/20
150/95 blood pressure standard will be in effect.
3rd Class Under age 40 exam will be good for three years
40 to 70 good for two years; 70 for one year.
Second Class Electrocardiogram (EKG) at ages 35 and 40 and then
every two years.
First Class EKG required annually after age 40
Cholesterol check after age 50.
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