Ralph L Cummings, MD

A concern for many pilots, particularly those whose livelihood depends upon aviation, is that at some time they could loose their Medical Certificate. Your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is a person, designated by the FAA, who holds the responsibility of performing a periodic examination of pilots to determine whether he/she continues to meet the standards required by the FAA and to issue the appropriate Medical Certificate if those standards are met.

In addition to simple paper processing, however, your AME can be your best counselor to help you anticipate problems that may present in the future and to minimize or avoid eventual loss of flying status because of health issues.Your AME is also your best advisor, in the event that you lose your medical certificate, as to the steps that you need to take in order to get it back.