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Dr. Robert J. French, MD
Robert J. French, MD, AME

Dr. Robert J. French, MD is a highly experienced Family Medicine physician with over 50 years of clinical practice. A certified FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner and an active pilot himself, Dr. French offers first-, second-, third-class and Basic Med flight physicals, providing expert medical evaluations grounded in both technical knowledge and personal experience in aviation. Based in Laguna Beach, he also offers concierge medical services, allowing patients personalized, direct-access care tailored to their individual health needs.

 

SERVICES OFFERED​​

Concierge practice

FAA Medical Examinations

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EDUCATION

Northwestern University, BS

Indiana University, MD

Baylor College of Medicine, Internship

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CONTACT

949-494-1181

FAA Medical Certificate Classes

​First‑Class Medical Certificate

  • Who needs it: Airline Transport Pilots (ATPs) operating as pilot‑in‑command, second‑in‑command on multi‑crew operations, and certain airline crew members aged 60+.

  • Required Standards:

    • All 2nd and 3rd class exam components (vision, hearing, cardiovascular, neurologic, mental health, ENT, etc.)

    • Vision: Distant and near acuity, color and depth perception to specified standards.

    • Hearing: Understand conversational speech in a quiet room or pass audiometric testing.

    • Cardiac: Electrocardiogram (ECG) required at age 35 and annually after age 40.

    • No disqualifying mental, neurological, cardiovascular, or other serious conditions (special‑issuance waivers possible).

  • Certificate Duration:

    • Under 40: valid 12 months

    • Age 40 or older: valid 6 months for ATP operations; after expiry you may downgrade to 2nd or 3rd class privileges.

 
Second‑Class Medical Certificate

  • Who needs it: Air Traffic Controllers and Commercial pilots flying for compensation like charter operations, flight instructors, corporate pilotsanything not covered by ATP duties.

  • Required Standards:

    • Similar to First Class except no mandatory ECG unless clinically indicated.

    • Vision, hearing, ENT, mental health, blood pressure, substance use, and systemic health standards same as Class 1.

  • Certificate Duration:

    • Valid 12 months regardless of age

    • After expiry, downgrades to Third‑Class privileges if still eligible.

 
Third‑Class Medical Certificate

  • Who needs it: Private pilots, student pilots, recreational pilots, flight examiners, and instructors not exercising commercial privileges.

  • Required Standards:

    • Vision: 20/40 distant and near in each eye separately, with or without correction.

    • Color vision: Must perceive colors needed for safe flying.

    • Hearing: Able to understand average conversational voice at six feet with back turned, or pass audiometric test.

    • Blood pressure: Under 155/95.

    • No disqualifying mental illness (e.g. psychosis, bipolar, severe personality disorders), nor substance dependence within last two years.

  • Certificate Duration:

    • Under 40: 60 months (5 years)

    • 40 and older: 24 months (2 years)

 

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To make an appointment, call 949-494-1181​​​​​​

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