Becoming an aviation medical examiner (AME) is an exciting and rewarding career. As an AME, you will be responsible for conducting physical and mental evaluations of pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation personnel to ensure they are fit to fly. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps you need to take to become an AME.
How to Become an Aviation Medical Examiner
To become an AME, you must first obtain a medical degree and complete a residency program in aviation medicine. After that, you must be certified in aviation medicine by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). To qualify for certification, you must pass a written exam, an oral exam, and a practical exam. You must also have at least five years of experience in the field of aviation medicine.
Prerequisites for Becoming an Aviation Medical Examiner
To become an AME, you must first obtain a medical degree and complete a residency program in aviation medicine. You must also have a current license to practice medicine in the United States. Additionally, you must have a minimum of five years of experience in the field of aviation medicine.
Steps to Become an Aviation Medical Examiner
Step 1: Complete a Residency Program in Aviation Medicine
The first step to becoming an AME is to complete a residency program in aviation medicine. This is a three-year program that provides specialized training in aviation medicine. During this program, you will learn about aviation physiology, aeromedical principles, FAA regulations, and medical record-keeping.
Step 2: Pass the FAA Written Exam
After completing the residency program, you must pass a written exam administered by the FAA. This exam covers topics such as medical principles, aviation physiology, medical record-keeping, and FAA regulations.
Step 3: Pass the FAA Oral Exam
Once you have passed the written exam, you must pass an oral exam administered by the FAA. During this exam, you will be asked questions about aviation physiology, medical principles, and FAA regulations.
Step 4: Pass the FAA Practical Exam
The next step is to pass the FAA practical exam. This is a hands-on exam that tests your ability to perform physical examinations on pilots and other aviation personnel.
Step 5: Apply for FAA Certification
Once you have passed the written, oral, and practical exams, you must apply for FAA certification. To do this, you must provide the FAA with proof of your medical degree, proof of your residency program in aviation medicine, and proof of your experience in the field of aviation medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming an Aviation Medical Examiner
What qualifications do I need to become an AME?
To become an AME, you must have a medical degree, complete a residency program in aviation medicine, pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams, and have at least five years of experience in the field of aviation medicine.
How long does it take to become an AME?
It typically takes at least four to five years to become an AME. This includes the time it takes to obtain a medical degree, complete a residency program in aviation medicine, and pass the FAA exams.
Is it difficult to become an AME?
Becoming an AME is a challenging process, but it is achievable with hard work and dedication. You must have a strong understanding of aviation physiology, medical principles, and FAA regulations in order to pass the FAA exams.
What is the job outlook for AMEs?
The job outlook for AMEs is very good. The demand for qualified AMEs is expected to remain strong in the coming years as the aviation industry continues to grow.
Conclusion
Becoming an aviation medical examiner is an exciting and rewarding career. To become an AME, you must obtain a medical degree, complete a residency program in aviation medicine, pass the FAA exams, and have at least five years of experience in the field of aviation medicine. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goal of becoming an AME.
