First Class certificate

[Unregistered]

Aspiring pilot here with a quick question: is there any blood work done to get a first class medical certificate? I tried to donate blood recently and to my surprise found out the sight of my own blood makes me woozy and I actually almost fainted. Though I doubt I'll ever have to draw my blood in the cockpit (and therefore, it shouldn't be an issue with my flight abilities), I don't want to go in for my medical and pass out in the doctor's office. That would be bad. Other than this small inconvenience, I'm in perfect health. Thanks for any info.

 

[TMetzinger]

Not by the AME. If you have a condition requiring special issuance, then your primary care physician or specialist may have to take blood for required reports to document your health.

The first class exam pretty much only adds the EKG to the second and third class, in terms of medical tests. So the AME doesn't do anything invasive.

 

[Teller1900]

Exactly as Tim said...it's quick and simple...just your basic physical plus hearing and eye tests; that's it. Besides, I don't think they could refuse a medical because you get queasy around blood or needles...the FAA can be unreasonable at times, but that would be a little ridiculous (and probably prevent a lot of current pilots from flying ever again). The only time they'd ever take blood is if a drug screen is needed, and a UA usually suffices for that...just make sure you don't ever do anything that would put you in that level of suspicion .

 

[poadeleted20]

Only fluid they need for a routine aviation medical exam is urine, and that only to see if there's excess sugar (sign of diabetes). There is a question on the form (#18b) about "dizziness or fainting spell," but I think that's mainly for unexplained events, so I don't think that your blood-donation experience requires a "yes" in that block.

 

[Henning]

Aspiring pilot here with a quick question: is there any blood work done to get a first class medical certificate? I tried to donate blood recently and to my surprise found out the sight of my own blood makes me woozy and I actually almost fainted. Though I doubt I'll ever have to draw my blood in the cockpit (and therefore, it shouldn't be an issue with my flight abilities), I don't want to go in for my medical and pass out in the doctor's office. That would be bad. Other than this small inconvenience, I'm in perfect health. Thanks for any info.

Not in the US unless you have a condition that requires it. They just add an extra eye test and an EKG when you're over 40. In Aus and Europe and most of the rest of the world, even the equivalent of a 3rd class requires full bloodwork (including HIV), EKG, a trip to the opthamologist for a full eye exam and a trip to the audiologist for a test in the box. This is part of the problem that a lot of countries are having with accepting a US medical and license for a "transfer" license with even just Day VFR PP priviledges, that and Bush is ticking everyone off...

 

[Unregistered]

Thanks for all of your quick responses; since I plan on pursuing my career in the US I guess my queasiness around needles shouldn't be a problem.