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FAA AME Services

FAA AME Services

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Expert Aeromedical Certification Guidance

As a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and HIMS AME, I am uniquely qualified to assist pilots in meeting the FAA’s medical certification requirements, no matter how straightforward or complex your case may be. My services cover standard FAA medical exams, evaluations for CACI conditions, and specialized support for pilots with conditions requiring the FAA’s HIMS program.

What Does it Mean to Be a Senior AME?

The FAA designates certain AMEs as Senior AMEs, a distinction that allows me to:

  • Conduct First-Class FAA Medical Examinations in addition to Second and Third-Class exams.
  • Evaluate pilots for the highest level of medical certification, required for airline transport pilots and certain professional aviators.
  • Provide consultations tailored to the unique needs of pilots seeking First-Class certification, ensuring compliance with FAA standards.
What is a HIMS AME?

The FAA’s Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) program is a specialized initiative to assist pilots with:

  • Substance use disorders (e.g., alcohol or drug dependency).
  • Mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD).
  • Complex medical challenges that require ongoing monitoring or specialized documentation.

As a HIMS AME, I am specially trained and approved by the FAA to:

  • Guide pilots through the rigorous certification process for these conditions.
  • Collaborate with the FAA, healthcare providers, and pilots to develop and execute individualized action plans.
  • Ensure that required evaluations, treatments, and documentation meet FAA standards to optimize the likelihood of certification approval.

My role as a Senior HIMS AME means I can assist you at every stage of this process, whether you're starting your certification journey or addressing new medical concerns.

FAA AME Services and Fee Schedule

Standard FAA Medical Certification Services
FAA Medical Exams
1st, 2nd, and 3rd Class FAA Medical Exams
Fee: $200

These medical exams are required for pilots depending on the type of flying they do and the corresponding FAA medical certificate needed. The exams include:

    • Detailed Review of Medical History: Ensuring compliance with FAA medical standards.
    • Physical Examination: Assessing your overall health and fitness for flight duties.
    • FAA-Required Testing: Includes vision screening, hearing tests, and other tests like ECGs if applicable.
FAA Medical Exam Consultations
  • 15-Minute Consultation: $100
  • 30-Minute Consultation: $200
If you have any medical conditions or take medications that may affect your certification, it’s important to schedule a consultation before your exam. This will:
    • Allow for a review of your medical history and current health status.
    • Identify any potential barriers to certification.
    • Provide guidance on documentation or testing that may be required for approval.
    • Scheduling a consultation ensures a smoother certification process and avoids delays due to unresolved medical concerns.
Additional Fees Based on Specific Needs
These additional fees are applied based on individual circumstances and FAA requirements. They help ensure that all necessary testing and documentation are completed in compliance with FAA regulations.
  • Computerized Color Vision Testing (CCVT): $45
  • ECG (Electrocardiogram): $50
  • CACI (Conditions AME Can Issue): $50 per condition. Please note, this fee is waived if a consultation is scheduled prior to the exam.
Initial HIMS Consultation: $400 (30-minute consultation)

  • Comprehensive review of medical, psychological, or administrative challenges preventing certification.

  • Detailed written plan with actionable steps to move forward.

  • No additional fees if you choose to pursue the plan independently.

Ongoing HIMS Services: $500 per hour (prepaid)

These services are designed to provide comprehensive, personalized assistance tailored to each pilot’s unique circumstances. Below is a detailed breakdown of the services included:


Coordination with Providers and the FAA

  • Healthcare Provider Liaison:

    • Communicate directly with your treating healthcare providers (e.g., psychiatrists, cardiologists, or neuropsychologists).
    • Ensure that evaluations, reports, and test results align with FAA standards and requirements.

  • FAA Liaison:

    • Serve as a bridge between you and the FAA’s Aeromedical Division, ensuring accurate and timely submission of required documentation.
    • Advocate on your behalf to clarify questions, resolve issues, or address additional requests from the FAA.

  • Streamlining Documentation:

    • Coordinate the submission of all required forms, evaluations, and supplementary materials.
    • Minimize delays by preemptively addressing potential concerns or omissions.
Medical Professional Recommendations

  • Specialist Referrals:

    • Identify and recommend FAA-knowledgeable specialists for evaluations (e.g., cardiologists, neurologists, psychiatrists).
    • Provide guidance on selecting specialists who meet the FAA’s requirements for expertise and documentation standard.

  • Diagnostic Testing Guidance:

    • Advise on obtaining required tests, such as neurocognitive evaluations, stress tests, or other diagnostic procedures.
    • Ensure tests are conducted at facilities recognized or approved by the FAA.
Document Review and Feedback

  • Thorough Review of Submitted Materials:

    • Assess medical records, psychological evaluations, and other documents for completeness and compliance with FAA standards.
    • Highlight areas requiring further clarification or additional testing.

  • Detailed Feedback:

    • Provide actionable feedback to ensure all documentation meets the rigorous requirements of the FAA’s medical certification process.

  • Clarification and Organization:

    • Help organize complex medical histories into a cohesive, structured presentation for FAA review.
Packet Preparation and Submission

  • Comprehensive Submission Packet:

    • Compile all necessary materials, including evaluations, medical records, personal statements, and forms, into a complete packet for submission.
    • Format and organize the packet to facilitate efficient review by the FAA Aeromedical Division.

  • Follow-Up Support:

    • Monitor the status of your submission and provide timely updates.
    • Address any additional questions or requests from the FAA post-submission.
Response to New Issues or Requests

  • Adapt to Changing Circumstances:

    • Address new medical, psychological, or administrative issues that may arise during the certification process.
    • Update the action plan as needed to reflect evolving requirements or conditions.

  • Documentation for Additional Conditions:

    • Assist with documentation and submission for any new conditions that develop during the certification process.
Key Benefits of Ongoing HIMS Services
  • Expert Guidance: Receive support from a Senior HIMS AME experienced in FAA requirements and certification challenges.
  • Peace of Mind: Navigate complex FAA processes with confidence, knowing you have a trusted advocate.
  • Timely Certification: Reduce delays by ensuring all submissions are complete, accurate, and compliant.
Customizable Support Based on Individual Needs

The extent and duration of ongoing services depend on:

  • The complexity of your medical, psychological, or administrative issues.
  • The volume of records and documentation to be reviewed and submitted.
  • The level of collaboration required with your healthcare providers and the FAA.
 

Note: Fees for ongoing services are separate from standard HIMS consultations or other FAA medical certification exams

FAQS

What Are the Differences Between the Classes?

1st Class Medical Certificate

  • Who Needs It? Pilots serving as Airline Transport Pilots (ATP).
  • Validity Period:
    • Under 40 years old: 12 months.
    • 40 years and older: 6 months.
  • Additional Testing: ECGs are required starting at age 35 and then annually after age 40. 

2nd Class Medical Certificate

  • Who Needs It? Commercial pilots (e.g., crop dusters, charter pilots, corporate pilots).
  • Validity Period: 12 months, regardless of age.
  • Testing: ECGs are not routinely required unless requested by the FAA.

3rd Class Medical Certificate

  • Who Needs It? Private pilots and recreational pilots.
  • Validity Period:
    • Under 40 years old: 60 months.
    • 40 years and older: 24 months.
  • Testing: Typically involves basic vision and hearing assessments.
  • FAA Medical Exam Consultation: For general medical conditions, preparation for standard FAA medical exams, or certification-related questions not involving HIMS-specific conditions.
  • HIMS Consultation: For pilots with conditions requiring participation in the HIMS program, such as substance dependence or complex psychological/neurological issues.

If you’re unsure which consultation is right for you, feel free to contact us for guidance. We’ll help you determine the most suitable option to ensure your FAA certification process proceeds smoothly.

  • First-Class Medical Certificate:
    • Pilots under 40: First ECG at age 35, then at age 40.
    • Pilots 40 and older: Annual ECG during medical exams.
  • Second and Third-Class Medical Certificates: Typically required only if requested by the FAA

The FAA recognizes certain medical conditions that an AME can clear for certification if specific criteria are met. Examples include:

  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes (controlled without insulin)
  • Asthma
  • Sleep Apnea

As part of the CACI process, I will:

  1. Review your medical history and documentation to ensure FAA criteria are met.
  2. Complete the necessary FAA forms and certifications.
  • New FAA Medical Applicants: Mandatory for all except Third-Class applicants with a known color vision limitation.
  • Previously Certified Pilots: Most previously certified pilots are exempt, unless:   
    • You hold a Third-Class Certificate with a color vision limitation.
    • You develop a condition or take medications affecting color vision.