Aviation medicine · Clinical education

How to Prepare for an FAA or HIMS Medical Examination

How pilots should prepare for an FAA examination with a Senior and HIMS-certified Aviation Medical Examiner in Miami Beach.

Written and medically reviewed by Michael J. Hall, MD, MScPhysician-led educational overviewReviewed September 6, 2026

Complete MedXPress first

Pilots must complete FAA Form 8500-8 through FAA MedXPress before the examination. After submission, MedXPress provides a confirmation number that the Aviation Medical Examiner uses to retrieve the application.

Review the application carefully. Incomplete or inaccurate information can delay certification and may create avoidable complications.

Bring relevant records

Depending on history, useful documentation may include specialist notes, medication lists, recent test results, prior FAA correspondence and any records requested for an authorization or special-issuance pathway.

Pilots with potentially complex certification matters should contact the clinic before booking so the team can clarify what documentation may be needed.

HIMS cases require planning

HIMS is a structured FAA program for certain substance-related, psychiatric and other monitored certification matters. A HIMS-certified examiner can help pilots understand the required process, but cannot guarantee an FAA determination.

Key principles

01

Submit MedXPress before the exam

02

Bring the confirmation number

03

Contact the clinic about complex histories

04

Allow time for FAA review

Frequently considered

Questions worth asking.

What should I bring to an FAA medical examination?

Bring identification, your MedXPress confirmation number, corrective lenses or hearing aids if used, a medication list and any relevant medical or FAA documentation.

Does a HIMS-certified examiner guarantee certification?

No. The examiner evaluates and documents the case, but the FAA makes certification decisions under its applicable standards and processes.

This page is educational and does not provide diagnosis or individualized medical advice. Testing and treatment decisions require an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Evidence standard

Clinical references.

Selected authoritative sources for readers who want to examine the underlying guidance and research. External sources do not constitute an endorsement of any specific Hall Longevity service.

  1. Federal Aviation AdministrationHow to Get a Medical Certificate
  2. Federal Aviation AdministrationGuide for Aviation Medical Examiners

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