Get a private pilot licence: ground school to checkride

  1. Complete the FAA medical exam with an aviation medical examiner
    1 hour

    This step produces your FAA third-class medical certificate (or BasicMed documentation) — the single most important prerequisite before you spend a dollar on flight training. If you cannot pass the medical, nothing else in this guide matters. The exam itself takes about 30–45 minutes with a designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), but getting an appointment typically requires 1–3 weeks of lead time.

    Find and schedule an AME:

    1. Go to the FAA AME Locator at faa.gov and search by your ZIP code.
    2. Call 3–5 examiners; ask about current wait times, total fee (typically USD 100–150), and whether they accept walk-ins.
    3. Book the earliest available appointment — do this before signing up for ground school.

    Prepare for the exam: 4. Complete MedXPress at medxpress.faa.gov within 60 days of your visit. Save the confirmation number. 5. Bring: a government-issued photo ID, your MedXPress confirmation, prescription glasses or contacts if you wear them, a complete list of all medications and supplements, and any relevant medical records (e.g., a cardiology report if you have a heart condition).

    At the AME office: 6. The examiner tests vision (20/40 or better in each eye, with or without correction), hearing (whisper test or audiogram), blood pressure (must be under 155/95), and performs a standard physical of heart, lungs, abdomen, and neurological function. 7. If you pass, the AME issues the medical certificate immediately. If the AME defers your application to the FAA in Oklahoma City, you’ll receive a letter by mail — do not start flight training until the deferral is resolved.