Skip to content
Vincony — fast, managed web hosting for your next site
The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 67.405

Medical examinations: Who may perform?

Read the official rule

Who Can Perform Your Medical Exam

Not all Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) can issue every class of medical certificate. For a first-class medical (required for airline transport pilots), you must see an AME who has received specific designation from the FAA to perform first-class examinations. These AMEs have additional training and authorization beyond the basic AME credential.

For second-class (commercial pilot) and third-class (private pilot) medicals, any AME can perform your examination—no special designation is required.

Why this matters: Before scheduling a first-class medical exam, verify that your chosen AME is specifically authorized to issue first-class certificates. You can check this on the FAA's AME directory. If you show up to an AME who isn't first-class designated, they cannot complete your examination, wasting your time and money. Second- and third-class applicants have more flexibility in choosing any AME.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 20, 2026.