fREQUENTLY asKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take for the examination?

I was deferred on my application for a medical certificate. What are my options?

How long does it take for the examination?

Normally the visit, including medical review of your application, eye exam, physical measurements, and physical examination takes about 15-20 minutes. If you require an ECG, it will take a few minutes more. We ONLY do FAA Aviation Medicine, so you are not seen by ancillary staff, and not kept waiting in rooms with sick patients being seen for other needs.

Can I get Basic Med here?

I was deferred on my application for a medical certificate. What are my options?

How long does it take for the examination?

We do not perform BasicMed examinations at our office. Any licensed physician is authorized to perform these. Many physicians who regularly perform DOT physical examinations will also do BasicMed, as will many urgent care clinics.

Information regarding BasicMed is available from AOPA here.

I was deferred on my application for a medical certificate. What are my options?

Deferral or denial can be devastating, but it does not need to be. The FAA has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the public, as well as the airman, through examination and maintenance of standards for medical certification. Often, there are successful pathways to medical certification, including special issuance certificates and appeals. Please contact us regarding your specific case; we may well be able to assist you. The FAA maintains an excellent reference to medical certification Q&A here.

Is Dr. Sherman part of a medical group?

Now that cannabis is legal for some uses and in some states, how does the FAA view this?

I was deferred on my application for a medical certificate. What are my options?

No, Dr Mark Sherman is a sole practitioner, at Mark D. Sherman, MD, PA. He devotes 100% of his professional time to serving his FAA Medical Examination patients.

I'm taking a new medicine. Is it safe to fly with this?

Now that cannabis is legal for some uses and in some states, how does the FAA view this?

Medicines, including "over the counter" medications, may have unpredictable and dangerous effects on a pilot at altitude. And it may not be just the effect of the medication that is concerning, as the underlying illness may present hazards. Always consult your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) regarding your fitness to fly when taking any medication.

Now that cannabis is legal for some uses and in some states, how does the FAA view this?

Very dimly! Dr. Michael Berry, the FAA Federal Air Surgeon, has strongly cautioned airmen against the use of cannabis in any form, including the unregulated "CBD" products, that may contain unknown amounts of pharmacologically active compounds. And if you have an incident or drug test, and you test positive for THC, you may find yourself criminally prosecuted, as well as incurring civil and administrative penalties, including revocation of all certificates. You can read Dr. Berry's advice here.