Northwest Aviation Medicine
Gig Harbor, WA
5.0 Google rating (705 reviews)
See the Washington listIndependent AME directory · Updated November 2026
Find a trusted Aviation Medical Examiner. Get cleared to fly.
Ranked lists of AMEs in the 10 states with the most pilots. Built from real Google data, sorted for pilots, and free to use.
202Ranked AME offices
32City lists
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We cover the 10 states with the largest pilot populations, with a ranked list for each major metro.
New York14 AMEs
Top rated aviation-focused AMEs
The highest scoring aviation medicine practices across all 10 states right now.
Aviation Medical Exams of Miami - Dr. Kevin Fox
Miami, FL
5.0 Google rating (1,244 reviews)
See the Florida listAviation Medicine
Clearwater, FL
5.0 Google rating (166 reviews)
See the Florida listThe Pilot Clinic
Goodyear, AZ
5.0 Google rating (154 reviews)
See the Arizona listRobert L Noven M.D.
Chicago, IL
5.0 Google rating (161 reviews)
See the Illinois listFAA HIMS AME
San Antonio, TX
5.0 Google rating (77 reviews)
See the Texas listHow we rank AMEs
Every list uses the same open formula. Sponsors never change the order.
1
Real reviews
Google rating, smoothed so a few 5 star reviews do not beat hundreds of strong ones.
2
Aviation focus
Practices built around pilots, flight physicals, HIMS, or aerospace medicine score higher.
3
Search visibility
We run 5 local searches per city and reward offices that show up again and again.
4
Clean data
We remove coroner offices, government offices, travel clinics, and low rated offices.
Not sure which AME to pick?
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Pilot guides
Plain English answers to the questions pilots ask before a flight physical.
FAA Medical Exam: What to Expect on Exam Day
A step by step look at FAA medical exam day, from MedXPress to the AME visit, plus what happens if the doctor defers your certificate.
6 min readFirst Class vs Second Class vs Third Class Medical
Which FAA medical class do you need? Compare first, second, and third class certificates, their validity periods, and the rules for each.
4 min readBasicMed vs Third Class Medical: Side by Side
BasicMed and a third class medical both let some private pilots fly. Here is how they differ and who should pick each.
5 min readFAA Special Issuance Medical Certificate: How It Works
Special Issuance, AASI, and CACI are three ways the FAA can certify pilots with medical conditions. Here is how each one works.
7 min readFAA MedXPress: How to Fill Out Your Application
A practical guide to filling out FAA MedXPress Form 8500-8 correctly, with tips to avoid common mistakes and make your aviation medical exam go smoothly.
5 min readFAA Medical Certificate and ADHD: What Pilots Should Know
An ADHD history does not automatically end a pilot career. Here is what the FAA reviews and how to prepare before your exam.
6 min readFrequently asked questions
What is an Aviation Medical Examiner?
An Aviation Medical Examiner, or AME, is a doctor the FAA designates to perform pilot medical exams. Only an FAA-designated AME can issue an FAA medical certificate. AMEs are often family doctors, internal medicine doctors, or eye doctors. You can find one near you using the FAA Designee Locator.
Which medical certificate class do I need?
It depends on the flying you do. First class is for airline transport pilot privileges. Second class is for commercial pilot privileges. Third class is for private, recreational, and student pilots. If you are unsure, check the FAA rules or ask the AME office before you book.
How do I check that a doctor is an FAA-designated AME?
Use the FAA Designee Locator on the FAA website. Search by city, state, or zip code. The locator shows current designated AMEs. Our directory is independent and not run by the FAA, so always confirm the doctor's status with the FAA before you book an exam.
What should I bring to my AME exam?
Fill out FAA Form 8500-8 online in MedXPress first, then bring the confirmation number. The MedXPress application stays valid for 60 days. Bring glasses or contacts if you use them, a list of your medicines, and any medical records the AME asks for. Call the office to confirm what they need.
What is BasicMed?
BasicMed lets some private pilots fly without a current medical certificate. You must have held a valid FAA medical certificate at some point after July 14, 2006. You also take an approved online course every 24 months and get an exam from any state-licensed physician every 48 months. Check the FAA BasicMed page for current limits.
How do your AME rankings work?
We are an independent directory operated by YY MICRO, LLC. We are not affiliated with the FAA. Our rankings use public information to help pilots compare AMEs. They are a starting point, not an official FAA rating. Always confirm an AME's designation with the FAA and call the office for current fees and details.
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