Aviation Medical Examiner

An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), in the United States, is a physician designated by the FAA and given the authority to perform physical examinations and issue airman medical certificates. A military flight surgeon can act as an AME.

AMEs are private physicians, not employees of the FAA, and are selected, trained, and authorized by local FAA offices. A pilot can go to any examiner from a list provided by the FAA and undergo the examination at any time. New AMEs are designated based upon the local demand for aeromedical certification services.

All AMEs may issue second-class or third-class certificates. Some AMEs are designated "Senior Aviation Medical Examiner", and may issue first-class certificates, which are required for pilots flying in air carrier operations. An AME may also issue combined medical/student pilot certificates.

As of 2005, the FAA had approximately 4,800 civilian AME's located in 9 regions, 410 international AMEs located in 91 countries, and 400 federal AMEs (military, U.S. Coast Guard, NASA, and other agencies).

Aviation Medical Examiner

See Also