Keep your medicals straight and level
Aviation medical services for commercial, private, & student pilots in Bozeman & Billings, MTFAA aviation medical services in Bozeman & Billings, MT
First Class Medical
needed: Every year (under 40) or Every 6 months (ages 40+)The highest class of medical, required for airline captains, airline transport pilots (ATP), and other commercial aviators. I'm one of the few senior AMEs qualified to issue First Class exams in Montana. First-timer? I have the color vision equipment you need.
Second Class Medical
Needed: every yearRequired for commercial pilots who fly for hire, including charter flying, aerial application, and corporate work. I provide the targeted physical screening you need to stay compliant, certified, and in the cockpit according to schedule.
Third Class Medical
Needed: every 5 years (under 40) or every 2 years (ages 40+)The medical required for all non-commercial flying, including students before their first solo. I provide thorough, approachable evals for private, recreational, and student pilots.
BasicMed Evaluation
Needed: exam Every 4 years (online course every 2 years)A simpler alternative to the Third Class medical for recreational pilots who've held an FAA medical since July 2006. I'll complete your BasicMed checklist exam and make sure you understand the rules along with it.
Air Traffic Control Exams
Needed: every 2 years (under 40) or every year (ages 40+)I perform select medical exams for air traffic controllers at regional towers in Montana. Give me a call to confirm I can do the exam you need.
Special Issuance
Needed: every 6–12 months (depending on condition)A diagnosis doesn't have to end your flying. I've helped pilots through heart attacks, Parkinson's, cancer, blood clots, and more.
why 700+ pilots think I'm the best medical examiner in Montana (humbly speaking)Free, confidential consults
Call before you book and tell me what's on your mind. A phone call with me doesn't get reported to the FAA, unless I see a serious safety risk.
Direct line of communication
Imagine calling your doc and getting him directly. Novel, right? When you call me, you get me (and if I’m busy, I’ll call you back within 24 hours).
Your personal advocate
When was the last time your AME called Oklahoma City on your behalf? If your case needs it, I’ll make that call while you're sitting in my office.
Medical peace of mind
Some Montana AMEs skip tests to save time. I don’t. I do every test myself, by the book, so your medical holds up at your next exam and with the FAA.
How the FAA exam process works-
Book online by picking an open day at my Bozeman or Billings office. If none of the days or times on my calendar work for you, call me, and we'll find one that does.
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I'll call you before your appointment to go over your health history and how to prepare. You'll fill out an online application on MedXPress and bring the confirmation number (along with a photo ID, payment method, and any relevant medical devices or records) to your appointment.
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Armed with those items, you’ll fly in or drive to my office on the airfield at KBIL or KBZN. I'll do all of the required testing myself, so you don’t have to run around to other clinics. The appointment should take about 30 minutes (unless you need an EKG, which could take up to an hour).
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If everything checks out, you'll walk out with your medical in hand. If I need to send anything to the FAA (unlikely, given all our preparation), I'll explain why and help you gather what they need.
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I’ll see you again in a few months or years, depeding on your class of medical and your age. Most pilots book the month before their next medical is due. Since I'll already know your history, each exam gets easier and easier.
From pilot to pilot
I began flying before I became a physician. Born into a family of pilots, I’m now an active pilot, aircraft owner, and operator myself. I know just how high the stakes are for your FAA medical exam.
Fly in, fly out
Your flight physical should make your life easier, not harder. With online scheduling and two Montana locations right on the airfield, you can get your medical exam done fast, so you can get back in the air.
Preparation → certification
I want you to walk out with your medical certificate in hand. The best way to get there is a quick call before your exam, so we can talk through any concerns.
Here for the long haul
While most AMEs have retired (or are about to), I've got decades left in me. You can fly easy, knowing you have long-term stability with the last AME you’ll ever need to find.
Fly in, taxi up, get certified
Choose from two offices in Montana, both on the airfield
►︎ Billings, MT (KBIL)
►︎ Bozeman, MT (KBZN)
FAQs about your FAA medical exam-
As a senior Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), I offer all classes of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical exams. The class you need depends on how you fly:
First Class: Airline captains, airline transport pilots (ATP), and other commercial aviators
Second Class: Commercial pilots flying for hire (i.e., charter flying, aerial application, and corporate work)
Third Class: Private, recreational, and student pilots (including students before their first solo)
BasicMed: Recreational pilots who've held an FAA medical since July 2006
Not sure which class applies to you? Give me a call, and I'll help you figure it out.
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Exams range from $200 to $325, depending on the class of medical and your health history. Complicated cases can take extra time and paperwork. I'll give you an exact price when we talk before your appointment, and you’ll pay at the door.
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Book online by choosing an open day on my calendar at my Bozeman or Billings office. If none of those days fit your schedule, call me, because I can often add a day or make adjustments.
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Once you’ve booked your exam, I’ll walk you through everything you need to prepare on your pre-screening call. Before your appointment, you’ll need to complete your FAA application on MedXPress.
Depending on your health history, you may need to bring:
Your MedXPress confirmation number
A photo ID
Any glasses, contacts, or hearing aids you use
A list of all medications and any records or FAA letters related to it
A method of payment for the exam fee
My goal is to prepare you so well before your appointment, you can walk in with everything you need and walk out with your medical certificate in hand.
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Often, yes. Many conditions, from high blood pressure to ADHD, can still be certified with the right documentation.
If you have a past diagnosis, don’t wait until exam day to let me know. Tell me everything on your free, confidential phone consult. I’ll do everything I can to advocate on your behalf.
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A deferral means an AME can’t issue your medical on the spot and must send it to the FAA for review, thus grounding you until it’s approved. No one wants that.
I do everything I can to avoid deferrals with thorough prep calls ahead of time. If it happens, I'll help you gather what the FAA needs to keep your case moving as fast as possible.
Book → call → exam → certificate
I make your medical as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4