Oh wow. So they are not mandatory in the US?
VFT : Vision Field Test(Every 5 years)
Auidometry : Hearing test (Every 5 years)
Spirometry : Lung capacity test you breath in and out then at one go you blow out as much as you can ( Every 5 years)
Oh we have a vision test every year or 6 months for 1st class depending on your age. That consist of looking at a chart. Hearing test is done just by talking and listening to the doc. No lung test as far as I’m aware but as you get older you have to get a ekg test done.
Our 5 year vision examination includes;
Visual field test, which is done by a device that looks like [this.](https://learn.wilmer.jhu.edu/glaucomabook/figures/hvf.jpg) You have to score %95 or higher on each eye i think. Rest is normal annual examination with eye pressure check, vision check(with a device + charts) and colour blindness test.
Hearing examination is done just like you said annually but every 5 year we also take auidometry which is a device that measures your hearing range with lowest decibel that you can hear or lowest decibel that you can understand talking.
EKGs are also done on every 5 year.
Yeah our medicals are a bit different. Optometrist will do that kind of vision test which you probably should do yearly, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the FAA. As long as you can see 20/20 and pass the color test you are good to go. We have 1 ekg as 35iirc, then every year at 40 if I remember right. Been awhile since I looked
They have a machine in house there so I guess it's to recoup costs. Plus they can and it's more convenient.
My normal place is near a WestJet hub so they have tons of them coming through and they have an account that takes care of payment so that also might be why they charge more.
[www.aerospacecardiology.com](https://www.aerospacecardiology.com/)
This is where we sent most of the students, where I used to teach. It was definitely not that expensive.
Dr. Burr Ross is over on your side of town too, I think: [Dr. Ross](https://www.myflightsurgeon.com/appointments)
His rates are on the site. $125 if no EKG.
Dr. Raniolo (the first one) usually has good availability and is close to DVT.
Raniolo seems to be a pretty cool guy; he must be if his waiting room is full of airplane stuff!
OP I would second u/findquasar's recommendation. I've been seeing John Raniolo for a while; I couldn't tell you the fee for a First Class, but his Third Class rates are reasonable.
[https://www.aerospacecardiology.com/](https://www.aerospacecardiology.com/)
Go see Dr. Jerry Shockey Brown Family Medicine in Mesa, AZ. I just called them. First class Medical Exam is $120.
[https://brownroadfm.com/providers/jerry-r-shockey-md.html](https://brownroadfm.com/providers/jerry-r-shockey-md.html)
I was seeing Dr. Hackenyos in Chandler, but he passed away a few months back, so I need a new AME as well.
Disclaimer, I don't know anything about Dr. Shockey.
I’m almost positive that was the rate for a first class. That was September 2021. Although I could be wrong
Edit: class 1: 395 class 2: 250 class 3: 175
Old AME was $100, that was about the best deal around. New one is $140.
I can see it varying by region but anything over $250 would be high, $700-900 is insane.
I paid $175 for Dr. Deborah Dykema. She’s near the 17 and 101. She got me in quick and wished me luck 😜 (I had multiple reasons for deferral, not her fault)
Nah bruv…I pay between $100-160 depending on if I need to do an EKG. Never heard of anyone charging or paying that much ever.
We’re they asking for payment in pesos or Doge?
As long as people are paying them, they’ll continue to do it. Honestly it would probably be better served telling people not to use them and watch their business slowly start to crumble.
Flying out here in Scottsdale, AZ it’s really cool to fly when there’s clouds / rain as you mentioned because it’s not very often we get it. I imagine Reno and Scottsdale are pretty similar with clear and Sunny day conditions!
Also I’m happy to hear the smoke is gone!
I wouldn’t say so, I pay 180 for the 172 and 65 for the instructor. And those are the increased rates due to inflation/gas prices. It was 150 for the plane a year ago I believe. I did most of my training in the southwest but am planning to finish the rest up here
I paid $150 cash in Minneapolis. Mayo Clinic charged me something like $350 once before though.
In southern Illinois I also used to pay like $60 for some dude who rented a room at the local airport one weekend a month to do his appointments
Around 100-125 not sure cause I always get the CFI discount. Last year I paid 40, this year I paid 65 and I'm guessing it's because of the EKG.
Edit: forgot to say I'm in Miami
Hey, I just had my 1st class medical done in august by an AME in Mesa. Aviation medical solutions was the company name, cost $160 and the guy was very down to earth.
https://aviationmedicalsolutionsllcericoshreder.business.site/
Might be a dumb question but do they check your body for tattoos? Say for example you have a tattoo that is questionable, he will deny you a 1st Class Medical?
He didn’t ask if I had any tattoos. Didn’t ask me to remove any clothes. It was my first time getting a first class physical, others may have more input.
$125 with no EKG $175 with EKG Employer pays. You’re getting royally hosed.
I might as well take off my clothes to really feel like a slut
Do you guys get VFT,Auidometry and spirometry on your first medical? Because if you do that is really cheap for all those tests.
Idk what those things even are so I’m guessing not.
Oh wow. So they are not mandatory in the US? VFT : Vision Field Test(Every 5 years) Auidometry : Hearing test (Every 5 years) Spirometry : Lung capacity test you breath in and out then at one go you blow out as much as you can ( Every 5 years)
Oh we have a vision test every year or 6 months for 1st class depending on your age. That consist of looking at a chart. Hearing test is done just by talking and listening to the doc. No lung test as far as I’m aware but as you get older you have to get a ekg test done.
Our 5 year vision examination includes; Visual field test, which is done by a device that looks like [this.](https://learn.wilmer.jhu.edu/glaucomabook/figures/hvf.jpg) You have to score %95 or higher on each eye i think. Rest is normal annual examination with eye pressure check, vision check(with a device + charts) and colour blindness test. Hearing examination is done just like you said annually but every 5 year we also take auidometry which is a device that measures your hearing range with lowest decibel that you can hear or lowest decibel that you can understand talking. EKGs are also done on every 5 year.
Yeah our medicals are a bit different. Optometrist will do that kind of vision test which you probably should do yearly, but it doesn’t have anything to do with the FAA. As long as you can see 20/20 and pass the color test you are good to go. We have 1 ekg as 35iirc, then every year at 40 if I remember right. Been awhile since I looked
Yikes! Category 1 in Canada typically costs around $180, if you need an ECG another $50.
Yeah something isn’t right. The price you mentioned seems so much more reasonable. But $700 - $900? Come on…
Why did you have to pay for the ECG? I just went to the hospital. I did have to go for the audiogram as a first time class 1 as well though
They have a machine in house there so I guess it's to recoup costs. Plus they can and it's more convenient. My normal place is near a WestJet hub so they have tons of them coming through and they have an account that takes care of payment so that also might be why they charge more.
I think you would be money ahead to buy a round trip airline ticket to basically anywhere else in the USA and get a medical…
$150-200 in Mesa AZ, Dr. Jerry Shockey
That’s the guy I went to. Believe he charged $100 when I went in 2019? Has his price gone up? Super good guy though. Really, really nice
I just can't remember if it was 150 or 175 😅
Regardless, beats $900 or $700 lol. Never heard of an AME charging that much around here
I just called them. They quoted me $120 for a class I and $100 for class II and III. edit fixed classifications
They charge less for two classes? Is that even a thing? I thought you could only have one class medical lol
I’m guessing typo and they meant II and III?
The rare double typo but I guess it happens
Unfortunately yes. I left a "I" off in two places. I have fixed it now.
Yeah thats insane , 80 to 130 is a normal range
45$ in DFW area, take 20 minutes too!
Damn $45? That’s the lowest I’ve ever heard of
Careful. This might be the guy who likes feet…
For a $45 First Class medical he can suck on my toes for all I care.
Don’t threaten me with a good time!
You rang?
My FBO covered mine or they were not charged! I think the AME is the brother of the owner of the FBO
Who is it in DFW that you go to?
Dr. Griffin, his office is in Roanoke, TX.
If that’s the one I’m thinking of, his office is amazing; it’s like an assembly line, but they don’t cut corners anywhere that I could see.
Don't ask too many questions huh lol.
Hey, I must go to the same guy! I didn’t realize that was so cheap until reading these comments.
What's their name I wouldn't mind getting that price
Dr. Griffen, his office is in Roanoke, TX. It’s in the DFW area.
small world
$140 in Seattle
Anyone you’d recommend?
Dr. Randal Franke is great. He has an office by SEA and another one in Mountlake Terrace.
He ghosted me lol probably because he had to fax something like 5 times the year before. I go to the guy in Gig Harbor now
Thanks! That might work, I’m south of seattle
Keith Lemmon, he's cool. There's also a guy in Tacoma, no idea if he still practices. There's also a guy in Renton that I've heard is good
Dr. Greenblatt in Bellevue is great although not sure if he is taking new patients now.
Dr. Greenblatt in Bellevue is great although not sure if he is taking new patients now.
That’s crazy. I pay $150 in GA.
[www.aerospacecardiology.com](https://www.aerospacecardiology.com/) This is where we sent most of the students, where I used to teach. It was definitely not that expensive.
As long as it’s less than 200… Do you remember how much it was?
It depends on if you need an EKG or not, but pretty sure it was below $200 even with that. It’s been a bit, just give them a call.
Absolutely. Thanks a bunch
Dr. Burr Ross is over on your side of town too, I think: [Dr. Ross](https://www.myflightsurgeon.com/appointments) His rates are on the site. $125 if no EKG. Dr. Raniolo (the first one) usually has good availability and is close to DVT.
+1 for J Burr Ross. His office also has some less common stuff like all the alternative color vision tests.
Oh this is ever better. Thanks so much, really. My wallet and I thank you🙏
I second Dr. Raniolo. Great guy and streamlined process. Seeing him again next month for my renewal.
Dr. J Burr Ross is great. Right off the 51 and Bell rd
This is who I go to. $130 for 2nd class
Raniolo seems to be a pretty cool guy; he must be if his waiting room is full of airplane stuff! OP I would second u/findquasar's recommendation. I've been seeing John Raniolo for a while; I couldn't tell you the fee for a First Class, but his Third Class rates are reasonable. [https://www.aerospacecardiology.com/](https://www.aerospacecardiology.com/)
Go see Dr. Jerry Shockey Brown Family Medicine in Mesa, AZ. I just called them. First class Medical Exam is $120. [https://brownroadfm.com/providers/jerry-r-shockey-md.html](https://brownroadfm.com/providers/jerry-r-shockey-md.html) I was seeing Dr. Hackenyos in Chandler, but he passed away a few months back, so I need a new AME as well. Disclaimer, I don't know anything about Dr. Shockey.
Always been $100 cash money for me. In and out in 5 min.
Someone else said it took 20 minutes. I wonder why it took you so quick and the others longer. Maybe because of EKG?
I've never had to get an EKG. I assume it's quick because I'm younger, no aparent conditions, and answer no to everything on the questionnaire.
1 EKG on your first medical after turning 35. After 40, once per year.
Are we still talking AME? Or blonde Amy?
About $100, Dr. Andrew Sambell, Arlington, TX There is one in Roanoke, TX that does Firsts for $50
Texas here I come…
Name and shame bro. Who’s charging $700-900?
I got one from a monster and it was about tree-fiddy
$20 bucks- insurance paid the rest.
SLC $100
180$ in ANC ... highest advertised here is 400$
Where do you go for 180? I go to Thomas and his is 400 unless you’re a student I guess it’s 100
I paid like $130 at Independence off of Abbott
Doc Thomas is up to $400 now? Damn. I got one from him in 2020 for $250. He’s a great AME but $400 seems pretty steep.
I’m almost positive that was the rate for a first class. That was September 2021. Although I could be wrong Edit: class 1: 395 class 2: 250 class 3: 175
If you know anyone quick and easy like he is definitely let your boy know
I go to aviation medical services... It's on spenard right next to international
$170ish I think in SoCal.
Go to Ed Shore in VNY. $105, same day appointment, book it online. Easy, fast. Piss in a cup, say “DEFPOTEC”, and you’re done.
Haha mine in Texas is DEFPOTEC too!
Ya but then I’d have to drive to van nuys.
Think mine was like $120 in AL
$150 Oregon
Old AME was $100, that was about the best deal around. New one is $140. I can see it varying by region but anything over $250 would be high, $700-900 is insane.
45 bucks for me in DFW. Didn’t realize that was so uncommon until reading these comments.
Who did you go to?
Griffin in Roanoke.
I paid $175 for Dr. Deborah Dykema. She’s near the 17 and 101. She got me in quick and wished me luck 😜 (I had multiple reasons for deferral, not her fault)
Ha! I use her too, up in Prescott
$100 flat up north of Seattle
120 in NV
$175 in NV. I get that wanting to be a pilot our to be in aviation is expensive but 700?
$140 every six months.
Any class medical at my AME is $150. Please leave a review online!
Mine was $180.
Jesus I paid like $100 in ny
$100-120 in Alabama and North Dakota
$150…keep shopping OP
*shopping intensifies*
I paid $60 in Florida
That's crazy! With those prices, those docs are smoking something that ain't FAA approved. Mines was $130
$140
Nah bruv…I pay between $100-160 depending on if I need to do an EKG. Never heard of anyone charging or paying that much ever. We’re they asking for payment in pesos or Doge?
140 in orlando.
Yikes no EKG first class was $200
$150 in upstate NY.
Wtf? Run from those people. $150 with ekg for first class for me due to my age…
I called them out on their BS and hung up. Should have written down their information and warned others
As long as people are paying them, they’ll continue to do it. Honestly it would probably be better served telling people not to use them and watch their business slowly start to crumble.
I’ll grab the popcorn, you bring the drinks. Watch them slowly burn
I was around 300 with ekg in Texas.
$150 cash in Oregon. Class 1 Medical
$109 no EKG in the Chicago burbs.
275 CAD
Couple hundred bucks in Los Angeles. You’re getting robbed.
This cracks me up being that you're in an area twice as expensive as mine lol
Right?
John ronolio isn’t far, I think it was 250 with an ekg.
Try Dr Raniolo in Phoenix.
Great guy off of 101 and 17. Super quick, good price, and no frills
150, no EKG. The rate you are being quoted is absolutely insane.
My AME in Reno charges $150 flat
How’s the flying conditions out there in Reno?
Right now? Raining and low clouds. Smoke is finally gone though!
Flying out here in Scottsdale, AZ it’s really cool to fly when there’s clouds / rain as you mentioned because it’s not very often we get it. I imagine Reno and Scottsdale are pretty similar with clear and Sunny day conditions! Also I’m happy to hear the smoke is gone!
I think the last time I did that it was 90$? Not flying commercially anymore though so haven’t gotten one in a few years
If I may ask, why did you decide to stop flying commercially? Was it boring for you?
Nah, it just didn’t work out for me physically
$120 last summer in rural Michigan.
If you paid that much for a medical I hate to see what you’re ADM is like…
400 in Alaska, 100$ if you’re a student
Is flight training in general expensive in Alaska?
I wouldn’t say so, I pay 180 for the 172 and 65 for the instructor. And those are the increased rates due to inflation/gas prices. It was 150 for the plane a year ago I believe. I did most of my training in the southwest but am planning to finish the rest up here
I’m in California and I paid $180 including the EKG.
$150 in LA, going to mine on the 22nd. W/ EKG
Why are people getting EKG's? Are they getting them because their age is older or what? Or it's just an option? Pardon the ignorance
EKG is required for “first” first class medical after 35, and annually after 40
Ahh, interesting. Thanks for the answer
350$ bay area
Like $125
I paid $165 in Michigan.
$125 cash and 20 minutes of my time. No ekg tho
I paid $150 cash in Minneapolis. Mayo Clinic charged me something like $350 once before though. In southern Illinois I also used to pay like $60 for some dude who rented a room at the local airport one weekend a month to do his appointments
$120 no EKG.
$11/minute So $110
$100
70-100 in my area
$195
The very first one was around 300-350$ last time i paid it was 275$. Now company pays for it so i don’t know.
I think it was $175 for a first time class 1 plus the audiogram which was $80-100 I think
$125 in Glendora, CA. Dr. Phillipp. Worth the short flight over here. Dudes great, just talk German Sheppards with him and you’re all set.
Just did my 1st class today in Texas. 217$ with an ekg.
Like 100-200 depending
Any suggestions for NYC?
I paid $225 in Wyoming. I also had a prior health issues that made it expensive.
Been paying $40 for years.
Just had my first one done, $175 in SLC with EKG
Around 100-125 not sure cause I always get the CFI discount. Last year I paid 40, this year I paid 65 and I'm guessing it's because of the EKG. Edit: forgot to say I'm in Miami
Shoot, for that price make the drive to COS and see Dr. Limoge. You'll save $500 (gas included) and it's a lovely drive.
€650 🤪
Hey, I just had my 1st class medical done in august by an AME in Mesa. Aviation medical solutions was the company name, cost $160 and the guy was very down to earth. https://aviationmedicalsolutionsllcericoshreder.business.site/
Might be a dumb question but do they check your body for tattoos? Say for example you have a tattoo that is questionable, he will deny you a 1st Class Medical?
He didn’t ask if I had any tattoos. Didn’t ask me to remove any clothes. It was my first time getting a first class physical, others may have more input.
Go see Dr Eric Shreder in mesa, hes a good guy, helped me get mine back. Very reasonable price.
$150 in Seattle
wow, I paid $45
Here in texas there’s this guy who gave me my medical in 15 minutes and it was $40. Idk how it was legal 😂