FAA First-Class Medical Blood Test
 

Do you have to provide a blood or urine sample to get your First-Class Medical Certificate? The FAA has such strict restrictions when it comes to taking medications, yet I heard someone saying that when you take your physical they don't take a blood or urine sample. Are the doctors supposed to assume you're telling the truth when asked if you take any illegal drugs or are on any presrciption medications?

A urine sample is part of the exam to check for diabetes. The FAA may required you to submit the results of a blood test if you're taking certain medications, but is not part of a routine exam if you are otherwise healthy.

Yes, they assume you are not lying about anything you put on the form. Many conditions are waiverable if controlled with medication, so there's no need to try to hide anything. You're only asking for trouble down the road.

The AME's do not screen for illegal substances. You are only subject to that if you work for a 121 or 135 operation, in which case the company will conduct screening when they hire you and randomly after that.

I suppose a part 91 operator could do screening of their own accord if desired, but most don't bother.

So, just wanting to clarify here for a second, if you are otherwise, healthy they don't do blood work?

A cousin of my (many moons ago) was trying to get a his license, and only thing he had to do was get his medical done. When he found out he had to give blood, he said no and nevertheless never got his license (after spending all that money too...) He has a horrible fear of needles. Has the rule change or always been that way?

No, there is no blood work required for a FAA medical.

If you can drive yourself to the doctors office you're good enough for second class.:D

if you have hypertension, you are required to submit a Hypertension Eval which also consists of lipid check. On my last one the AME (what it looked like to me) just put in on the counter and didnt even read it, and issued me my medical. Class-2.

Hypertension

Thanks everyone... my cousin is going to love hearing this news! :D

Doesn't really bother me either way, as I've never had a problem with the doctor drawing blood from me...