AOPA Services

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association is general aviation's advocate and the largest, most influential aviation association in the world. Its membership of more than 414,000 comprises nearly two-thirds of all pilots in the United States. Visit and bookmark our Web site designed especially to serve the information needs of student pilots. All AOPA Flight Training members, including those with free six-month introductory memberships, have full access to AOPA's resources, including the members-only areas of AOPA Flight Training Online and AOPA Online.

Time for a medical?

It's almost time to solo, and if you're flying a powered aircraft in anticipation of getting a private pilot or recreational pilot certificate, that means you'll need a medical certificate.

Where do you get a medical certificate? Your family doctor can't issue you one. You must visit an aviation medical examiner (AME) and undergo a medical exam. If your health history is straightforward, the AME should be able to issue you a medical certificate on the spot.

How do you find an AME? Start with the searchable database on AOPA Online. Enter your city, county, state, ZIP code, and a search radius. The database will show you the AMEs in the area you have specified, along with their contact information. It will also tell you whether the AME is a pilot, and whether he or she can issue first class medicals.

Before you call the AME, take a few moments to complete AOPA's TurboMedical�. This interactive tool takes you through the actual medical application you must complete. It will flag potential problems, such as medications that are not acceptable to the FAA or medical conditions that could require supporting documentation.

If TurboMedical flags a condition and you're uncertain how to proceed, call one of our medical certification specialists at 800-USA-AOPA. They're available to take your calls weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time. In most cases, you can print out the TurboMedical form and take it with you to the AME (don't sign it, though--you'll have to do that at the AME's office).