FAA Medical Certificates & UND Aerospace Anti-Drug Program

All Students planning to begin flight training at UND are required to hold a current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate. Aviation medical examiners (AME’s) are designated by the FAA to issue these certificates, following completion of an application and a physical examination. While we have AME’s at UND, they can be found in most U.S. cities and in major cities abroad. For names and addresses of AME’s go to this website: http://ame.cami.jccbi.gov .

There are several reasons for which you could be denied a medical certificate even if you feel you are in good health. These reasons have to do with medical and/or legal problems you have had, and should be evaluated before beginning your education for an aviation-related career. If any of these problems need to be processed to obtain your certificate, delays are common. Therefore, we advise you to obtain a FAA medical certificate before coming to UND. You are required to possess a medical certificate to enroll in the flight laboratories, so get your medical certificate early to avoid delays.

There are three classes of medical certificates, aptly named first, second, and third class. First class certificates are required for pilots exercising privileges of an airline transport rating. Second class medical certificates are needed for performing commercial operations, and third class medical certificates are adequate for initial training purposes. We recommend you obtain a second class medical certificate initially to begin your flight training. There are several reasons for this recommendation:

1. they are less expensive than first class medical certificates ($40-70 versus $80–400 for a first class medical certificate),
2. for those of you under the age of 40, the requirements are identical, and (3) it requires a higher standard for vision requirements than a third class medical certificate. Although a third class certificate is adequate for flight training, the visual requirements are not as stringent as the first and second class certificates. Whatever class of medical certificate you have we prefer your vision to be corrected 20/20 with lenses or uncorrected, while operating UND aircraft.

• Note to female students: Certain portions of a good physical exam (pelvic and breast exams, PAP smears) are not part of a FAA medical certificate application. Although these exams are an important part of monitoring your health, they must be requested specifically or scheduled separately.

If you have significant medical and/or legal problems, you should have copies of medical and/or court records for your examiner. You should be aware that drug and alcohol convictions (yes, paying a fine is a conviction) and administrative actions are considered serious problems by government and the aerospace industry. Medical and behavior standards of professional pilots and air traffic controllers are among the highest in our society. Mistakes, poor judgment, and other “indiscretions of youth” can have lasting consequences related to your career. Prevention (through responsible behavior) is the key.

While flying at UND, you will be part of our drug and alcohol misuse prevention program. As in the aerospace industry, our goal is to use education and deterrence to maintain a safe training environment. The program is designed similar to mandatory drug and alcohol testing conducted at air carriers and air traffic control centers. Our program reflects our commitment to the aviation industry’s demand for a “no tolerance” environment and our regard for safety standards. Also, if you receive a drug or alcohol violation, you may be suspended from flight training for several months.

Drug and alcohol testing will be done for several reasons. Tests can be ordered as an initial screening, directed at an individual based on their behavior, speech, odor or other characteristics, or be done as a result of an accident or incident. All students participating in flight labs are subject to random drug and alcohol testing. Positive tests will not only impact your flight status, but can severely impact your eligibility for a medical certificate. A complete description of the drug and alcohol program at the Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences is available for your review.

As part of UND’s comprehensive alcohol and other/drugs awareness program, all first year students will be required to complete an Online Alcohol Education tool. Students who do not complete the Online Alcohol Education program will be placed on FLIGHT HOLD. For more information visit UND.edu/hwhub

Planning is essential with any college endeavor – especially with an aviation major. If you have any questions regarding medical certification or the drug-testing program, please feel free to contact our flight surgeon on faculty:

Dr. Warren Jensen
Phone: (800) 258 1525
Fax: (701) 777 3016
E-mail: wjensen@aero.und.edu

07/01/10