Welcome TO
AME CLE Lee A. Baggott MD, AME, LLC
The Cleveland AME
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Medical Exams
Pilots, ATC & students
Class 1, 2, 3
Basic Med & Consults
About AME CLE: Your AEROSPACE MEDICINE Expert
Expert FAA Aviation Medical Examinations
Dr. Baggott, an Aviation Medical Examiner since 2012 and commercial/instrument rated pilot, specializes in providing comprehensive Class 1, 2 and 3 FAA Aviation Medical Examinations, as well as "Basic Med" exams, EKGs and consultations. You can have confidence that your exam will determine if you meet the rigorous standards set by the FAA, helping you achieve and maintain your medical certification.
HOW TO SCHEDULE:
Call or text Dr. Baggott at 216-333-7051 to
discuss your appointment and goals
Email request on the page below.
More information on the differences between the Class 1, 2 and 3 exams and how to prepare for your exam is below.
HOW TO GET READY FOR THE DAY OF YOUR EXAM
DECIDE WHICH CLASS OF FAA MEDICAL CERTIFICATE YOU NEED
An FAA medical certificate is required prior to operating an aircraft solo, along with the endorsement of your flight instructor.
A Class 3 medical certificate will suffice for most General Aviation flying and aircraft. It lasts for 5 years if you are <40 years old, and 2 years if 40 and over. You must renew your certificate to remain current. A FAA pilot's license plus an active medical certificate meets the FAA's definition of an active pilot.
Class 2 is needed if you will be carrying passengers or freight for hire or are an Air Traffic Controller. It has stricter vision standards than class 3.
Class 1 is required to fly for airlines and some charter flight organizations. It has the strictest standards, and shortest recertification intervals. An EKG (electrocardiogram) is required over age 34, and yearly after age 40, and can be done at this office. Some student pilots elect to get a Class 1 certificate if they aspire to be an airline pilot, to make sure they meet the physical qualifications before investing significant time and money in training.
FILL OUT THE MEDXPRESS APPLICATION
You can find the MedXpress application, also known as FAA Form 8500-8, on the web at MedXpress.FAA.gov.
Before you start, gather your medical records since the last time you had an FAA medical exam (lifetime if it is the first time you apply). Report healthcare visits for the past 3 years (name, address, reason and date), and your current medications (name, dose, how frequently you take it, when was the last time you took it, side effects, and how long you've been on it.
Be sure to declare "yes" for any conditions or events you may have had, however long ago, even if you recovered from it or it is controlled with medication.
Follow the rest of the instructions.
Submit the form and take a screenshot of the CONFIRMATION NUMBER at the bottom of the form. Your exam can't start without it.
It is good for 60 days.
BEFORE EXAM DAY: PREFLIGHT YOURSELF!
IF YOU HAVE A COMPLICATED MEDICAL/SURGICAL/BEHAVIORAL HEALTH HISTORY:
Have a conversation weeks ahead of time with your AME: have a plan to be in the best condition AND have the necessary medical records to succeed on exam day.
Sometimes being ready requires you to work with your doctor and get healthy (for example, up to date eyeglasses, or adjusting blood pressure medication so it is controlled and stable for at least a week before your exam).
It's never a good idea to arrive sick to the AME office. It is better to reschedule than have your application deferred to the FAA.
It is recommended that intense exercise and long runs be avoided for 3 days prior to the test to avoid a false positive test for blood in the urine. Women should wait 1 week after menses stop for the same reason.
ON EXAM DAY
WHAT TO BRING
You must have 2 forms of official ID, including:
1. One U.S. government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license). At least one of these photo IDs is required.
2. Another official ID such as a social security card, birth certificate, marriage license, military identification, pilot or student pilot certificate, prior FAA medical certificate, or work ID.
3. Your CONFIRMATION NUMBER from the MedXpress form.
4. Your glasses, if you have them. It is advised that contact lenses not be worn because they may be required to be removed and replaced for the exam.
5. If your AME informed you to bring old FAA, medical or legal documents, bring them too. You can look on the FAA website at the "AME Guide" to look for the document requirements for a medical condition. Having all required documents at the time of the AME visit will increase your chance of success and may significantly shorten the time to FAA approval. Only 10% of MedXpress applications are deferred to the FAA for final decision, but the FAA approval process may then take a year or more.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON EXAM DAY AND AFTER
This is the easiest pilot test you will ever take! It has a 98% pass rate (90% on the day of the test!)
1. Be well hydrated; everyone gets a urine test on arrival. (Drink ~12 oz water or caffeine-free beverage one to two hours before the test).
2. Be well rested, avoid excessive caffeine, take your usual medications at the usual time (if applicable).
3. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, and easy-to-remove shoes.
4. If you are in the 5% who require the FAA to make the final decision, your AME will work closely with you after the visit to advise on what is needed to meet the standards and upload any additional documents and tests to the FAA (much faster than mailing them yourself!)
Think of your AME as your professional, experienced partner to help you get and keep your FAA medical certificate.
Dr. Baggott looks forward to meeting you soon! Be well and fly safely!