Aerospace Medicine Clinic

FAA Exams for Pilots: 617-591-4660

For Appointments:

Call or click here to use our online webform.

Want to learn more?

Click here for the FAA Aviation Medical Examiner Guide.

CHA is proud to offer Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical exams for pilots. Our offices are right off Route 93 in Medford - just minutes from Boston and five miles from Logan airport. Our lead doctor, Dr. Russell Tontz, has extensive experience in aerospace and altitude medicine. He and his team give pilots the expertise they need to maintain their license and thrive in the air.

CHA is your local partner for aerospace medicine, with aviation clinic and flight clinic services. 

Apply for your FAA Medical Certification with Confidence!

Give yourself a head start. Our proactive Pre-Flight approach helps spot potential hurdles before you file your MedXPress application—so you can move forward with confidence!

Start Today!

Aerospace Medicine Services

How Much Does Each Exam Cost?

1st Class Exam
$200
3rd Class Exam
$175
2nd Class Exam
$200
EKG (if required)
$50
  • About Your FAA Exam
    First Step
    Please complete the online MedExpress questionnaire at least 3 days before your exam and forward the confirmation number to occmed@challiance.orghttps://medxpress.faa.gov/medxpress/

    What to Bring to Your Exam
    • Photo ID (driver's license or passport) 
    • Any vision correction you wear (glasses, contacts).
    • Airline pilots - tell the front desk if you need an EKG (baseline at age 35, annually at age 40 and above if Class I).
    • List of all medicines (prescription and non-prescription) including doses and how often you use them.
        • A list of all visits in the past three years to a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, psychologist, clinical social worker or substance abuse specialist. Include the date, name of provider, clinic and address, type of provider seen, and reason for consultation. (Routine dental, eye and FAA exams may be excluded.)
        • Any letters from the FAA indicating specific tests or procedures to perform, including Special Issuance Authorizations (SI), or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) certifications.

        How Long Does it Take? 

        For most people, the flight physical takes two hours. Registration and completion of vision and hearing tests can typically be done in an hour. The exam by your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) will require a second hour. 

        If you have a medical condition that require a Special Issuance or deferral to the FAA, your doctor may need more time.

        How Much Does it Cost?

        1st Class Exam
        $200
        2nd Class Exam
        $200
        3rd Class Exam
        $175
        EKG (if required)
        $50
      • Medical Certification Services
          • "Pre-Flight" Medical Consultations
            Don't leave your career to chance. Our proactive "Pre-Flight" strategy identifies potential hurdles before you file your MedXPress application. We help you navigate the fine print so you can apply with total peace of mind.

          • FAA Medical Certification Exams
            Experience a streamlined, professional examination process designed to get you back in the cockpit. As a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), we provide Class I, II, and III physicals that meet the highest FAA health standards.

          • Special Issuance Advocacy Complex medical history? We specialize in turning "no" into "go." Our team guides you through the Special Issuance Authorization process, managing the expert documentation needed to prove your safety and stability to the FAA.

      • Specialized Care for Pilots
        • HIMS Program Support
          We are dedicated to helping airmen navigate the road to recovery. Through the Human Intervention and Motivational Study (HIMS) program, we provide the sponsorship and professional monitoring required to restore your medical certificate and your career.

        • Sleep Apnea (OSA) Solutions
          Stay sharp and compliant. We offer specialized OSA screenings and diagnostic assessments, helping you manage fatigue risks with FAA-approved treatment plans that keep you flying safely.

        • Specialty Physician Network
          When you need a specialist, you need one who understands aviation. We coordinate your care with a network of experts—from cardiologists to neurologists—ensuring every report is built to satisfy FAA CACI protocols.

        • Fitness-for-Duty & Return-to-Work
          Recovered and ready? Our comprehensive evaluations bridge the gap between medical recovery and operational readiness. We provide the professional verification you need to demonstrate you are fit for the demands of flight.

      • Occupational & Future Flight Services
        • Aviation Medical Director Services
          Enhance the safety culture of your flight department with professional medical oversight. We serve as a direct liaison for aircrew health issues, manage preventive medicine programs, and provide expert guidance on organizational medical policy.
        • Travel Consultation & Immunizations
          Keep your crew mission-ready for international routes. We provide destination-specific travel advice and all required FAA-approved immunizations to ensure compliance with global health regulations.
        • Civilian Spaceflight Medical Assessment
          Prepare for the next frontier. We offer specialized screenings for commercial spaceflight participants, focusing on physiological resilience to high-G environments and microgravity to ensure a safe experience beyond the atmosphere.

      Portrait of Dr. Russel TontzDr. Russell Tontz, MD, MPH, leads our team with deep expertise in aerospace and altitude medicine, helping pilots maintain certification and perform at their best. He is board-certified in Occupational, Aerospace, and Family Medicine, and previously led Occupational Medicine and Employee Health at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.

      An Air Force veteran, Dr. Tontz brings specialized training in bioterrorism response and FEMA operations, along with 15 years of experience caring for pilots, fire, and law enforcement personnel in both military and civilian settings. He also serves on the faculty at Harvard Medical School.

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