Pilot Journey Forums

hi folks....1st post
well im ready for the intro flight & ready to pick out a flight school. im really excited!
after picking around on the internet it seems that passing the medical exam is harder then flying the plane.
iv got some medicine issues that r going to make me have to qualify for a 'special issuance'. therez this company that wants a good chunk of change to 'walk you through' the process. so should i just apply and see what happens? this company seems to think it is better to be 'proactive' and include specifics with the application.
how about the AME? like getting an inspection on a car; is one ame better then another?
seems silly to go through....and pay....for all the training only to be denied the medical exam.
one of the internet sites said "if you have a drivers license you can get a pilots license. seems a little optimistic. any thoughts would help. thanx!

Hi Scott. Welcome to the group. Some sites, such as aopa.org and I think also cessna.com, have some advice on how to choose a school that's right for you.
As for the Medical, yes if you have any conditions you think might be a problem, it's best to get the Medical before starting training to make sure you'll pass. Depending on the nature of the specific problem, you may want to just see your regular doctor about it, rather than some special company. That probably would be cheaper. In my case I was unsure of my vision, so I went for an eye exam and got new eyeglasses which helped me pass my medical. The eye doctor can check for color blindess and other vision related issues. If your condition has to do with other things, maybe your regular doctor can adjust your meds if needed so that when you go to the AME everything will be just right.
Usually the schools can provide a list of AME's in the area. So maybe you can start by visiting a couple of schools to check them out, but while you're there tell them you want to get your medical first, and ask them if they have a list of AME's.
I hope this helps.

My flight instructor told me that I could walk in the office and get any non-military medical cert. if you are in your 20s.  One thing she told me though is that some are cheaper than others to obtain

Yes, the cost can vary quite a bit. I paid $125 for a third class. A friend paid $80, about 50 miles away from where I live.

WOW!!! I paid $60 for mine.  That proves it pays to shop around!