MentorLIVE #76: Preparing for a Medical Like A Checkride

[from WM Webinar Description, WINGS Course Summary, & WINGS Course Review.docx – not SPANS] WM Webinar Description, WINGS Course Summary, & WINGS Course Review Brief Description FAA medical certification is an expiring certificate that has to be renewed on set intervals in order to maintain the privileges of flying associated with an individual’s pilot certificates. However, 5-8% of medical certificate applicants have significant delays in their certification due to lack of advanced preparation. Dr. Keith Roxo will discuss the medical certification process and resources so that instructors can help their students better understand how to prepare for their FAA medical examination. WINGS Course Summary Flight instructors may see students of all ages and those new to flying may not even know that a medical certification exam is a requirement. A common theme among those brand new to aviation is that they consider the FAA medical exam to be just another check up with a doctor when, in fact, it is an examination to determine suitability for flight based on specific guidelines. By being familiar with the process and the resources available, flight instructors can help ensure that students are not walking into their first exam blind. While not everyone will be able to receive their medical certificate on the day of the exam, with the right preparation most can, and those who can’t, should have minimal delay, if well prepared. WINGS Course Review The role of a flight instructor is primarily to teach a pilot to the airman certification standard. However, flight instructors are also the first introduction that many people have to flying. It is important that a flight instructor have a broad knowledge of all aspects of becoming a pilot in order to guide their students to success. It is not expected that a flight instructor will be able to interpret medical information. However, it is worth discussing with students early on that they cannot progress far without a medical certificate. Instructors can also ensure that students are aware that the FAA medical certification process is to determine suitability to fly and that many medical conditions will require appropriate documentation to show the FAA they are safe to fly.