What is an FAA Third Class Physical?

During the physical examination, a medical history will be taken. Your distance and color vision will be tested, along with your hearing. Your blood pressure will be checked and the doctor will listen to your heart and lungs, and palpate the major organs in your abdomen. Generally, if you can "hear the whispered word at three feet" and have vision which is 20/60 uncorrected, or correctable to 20/20 with glasses, have blood pressure under 160/100 (even with the use of most blood-pressure lowering drugs), and have no physical problems that could cause you to lose control of the aircraft in flight, you can pass a third class medical. Physical problems that can prevent you from passing are: very high blood pressure, history of stroke, passing out, mental illness, suicide attempts, un-rehabilitated heart attack, diabetes requiring insulin, kidney problems requiring dialysis, blindness, deafness, and kidney stones visible in an X-ray.

The whole point of the medical exam is to make sure you are not a danger to yourself, your passengers, or to persons on the ground. If you are generally healthy, you'll probably have no trouble getting a medical certificate.

Do I have to have this medical certificate before I can apply for the scholarship?

No. However, if you are awarded the scholarship, you will need to get your medical certificate. The Federal Aviation Administration has more information, and a list of approved Spokane County Aviation Medical Examiners.

I am home-schooled. Can I still apply?

Yes.

I’d love to contribute to the Memorial Scholarship. How may I do so?

We would appreciate any donations. Please send your donations to Cheney Federal Credit Union, First Street Cheney WA, 99004.

How do I find out more about The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) in Spokane?

You may visit the Spokane EAA chapter website.