FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) &
Pilot Medical Exams in Orange County, CA

Robert J. French, MD, AME

Dr. Robert J. French, MD, is an FAA-designated Senior Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and experienced Family Medicine physician with over 50 years of clinical practice. A pilot himself, Dr. French specializes in FAA flight physicals, pilot medical examinations, and First-Class, Second-Class, and Third-Class FAA medical certification exams.

Located in Dana Point, California, Dr. French serves pilots throughout Orange County, including Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Laguna Beach, and surrounding communities. Combining decades of medical expertise with firsthand aviation experience, he provides professional FAA medical evaluations to help pilots meet their aviation medical certification requirements.

In addition to FAA pilot medical examinations, Dr. French offers personalized concierge medical services for patients seeking individualized, direct-access healthcare.

SERVICES OFFERED

Concierge practice

FAA Medical Examinations

EDUCATION

Northwestern University, BS

Indiana University, MD

Baylor College of Medicine, Internship

CONTACT

Same-Day Appointments Available

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)

To make an appointment, call 949-494-1181