FAA EXAMS
What is an AME?
An Aero-Medical Examiner (AME) is a physician that is designated by the FAA to perform medical exams on pilots. The AME's job is to make sure pilots are medically safe to fly.
What does an AME do?
They perform a physical exams and other testing to ensure the pilot's meet the FAA's standards. These are legally required by the FAA prior to being able to operate an aircraft without an instructor.
Our AME's
Dr. Earl E Martin (Dr B) is a senior AME (can perform Class 1, 2, and 3 physicals) years with 20 years of AME experience.
Additionally, Dr B also performs ATC exams, is board certified in sleep medicine and is a HIMS AME. He is also a pilot (seen standing next to his Blue and Yellow Series 7 Kitfox).
Dr. Earl F Martin retired on August 1st 2025 after 49 years of practice. Dr. Earl F Martin served as a flight surgeon in the USAF and was honorably discharged as a Major. He is a pilot and clearly envy's Dr. B's Kitfox and amazing piloting skill. But at least he got to fly the T38 below while stationed at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX (he is in front seat in the picture). More than being a Flight surgeon and AME, he gained the respect of his patients, served Christ in all of his endvours and is an amazing father. We will miss having him in clinc daily.
Where do I do the exams?
FAA Medical exams can be performed at either the Tomball or the Conroe location.
The Conroe location is located inside the General Aviation FBO at Conroe Regional Airport (KCXO).
Fly in exams are welcome!
To schedule an appointment please call 281-351-7155
For any other FAA related questions (not appointments) email us at FAA@martindiagnosticclinic.com
Color vision options
We offer the Waggoner computerized testing for pilots. Color vision screening can be variable for ATC so we also offer multiple FAA approved options for color vision screening.
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Titmus V4
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Ishihara (14, 24 and 38 plate)
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Farnsworth Lantern
Preflight your FAA Medical
Coming in for you FAA medical exam can be stressful. Losing a medical can affect income and future job opportunities. However most issues can be resolved quickly and have you back in the skies. More importantly, there are things you can do as a pilot to "preflight" your medical exam. Listed below are a few tricks.
Tips and Tricks
VISION
Vision is one of the mozt common concerns for pilots, especially as they get older. One way to ease the concerns is to do an eye exam prior to the FAA medical. The FAA allows the use of the 8500-7 eye exam form in place of the in office exam. This can be downloaded here.
Hyertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is common in pilots during their exam due to anxiety. Knowing your blood pressure is passing (155/95 or lower) prior to coming in can help keep your in office pressure normal. Keeping a log of your blood pressures can help. Additionally, avoiding caffeine prior to your exam will improve the blood pressure and improve the EKG.
Hydration
Poor hydration affets the FAA urine test. It is a simple matter to hydrate well before coming in. In particular doing the exam after a long red eye flight on a 777 can cause a failing urine test. These can be repeated later after hydration but it is a hassel. So hydrate well before coming in.
Cost of FAA exams (not HIMS)
$180 Standard FAA medical (same for class 1, 2 or 3)
$75 ECG
$25 CACI/Special Issuance (this will due at each visit for those that require them)
$300 Basic Med
$250 For FAA Specific Consult
There may be additional costs to send packages (papers, folder, CD images, etc) to the FAA on your behalf. Note that paperwork may now be uploaded directly to the FAA by our office (in max 3 MB size files fo rnow). With that in mind, if you scan the documents they can be emailed to us at FAA@martindiagnosticclinic.com. Additionally if there is a significant amount of complexity or time spent in discussion with the FAA on your behalf there may be minimal additional charges.