22 tasks, each one witnessed by the sources that watched the job — and behind every one, a prompt you can use tonight.
Most days mix patient exams and paperwork. You’ll do physical and vision checks, review medical histories, and complete FAA medical forms during appointments.
Between exams you enter results in Microsoft Word or Excel, scan documents into a digital imaging system or SharePoint, answer Outlook emails, and prepare reports or license decisions for pilots.
Expect Microsoft Word for reports, Excel for tracking compliance data and fees, Outlook for scheduling and emails, and SharePoint for storing records.
You’ll also use a document scanner and digital imaging system to archive papers, and computer-assisted testing tools when administering or scoring tests.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for this occupation group, median pay is $80,730 per year, with the lowest tenth at $48,220 and the top tenth at $133,720.
BLS also reports about 417,070 employed in related occupations — use those numbers to understand the pay range, not a guaranteed salary.
First, you must be a licensed physician and then apply to the FAA to become an AME; the FAA lists specific training and approval steps. Study aviation medical standards, practice filling FAA medical forms, and learn the FAA’s electronic systems.
Get comfortable with Excel for tracking exams, document scanning and SharePoint for record keeping, and Microsoft Outlook for scheduling and patient communication.
An AME focuses on certifying pilots to meet FAA medical standards and issues aviation medical certificates. An occupational health physician handles workplace injuries and broad employee health programs. A flight surgeon is usually embedded with military or airline operations and advises on operational medicine and fitness for duty.
AMEs spend more time on FAA paperwork, compliance checks, and licensing decisions; they use FAA forms, Excel tracking, and digital imaging systems routinely.
You can use AI to draft routine letters, summarize exam notes, or create checklist templates, but you must verify all medical conclusions and legal statements yourself. Never upload unredacted patient records to public AI services — use approved, secure systems and your employer’s policies.
Keep responsibility: AME decisions and FAA certifications are legally binding, so use AI for drafting only and always check accuracy against the FAA regulations and original records in SharePoint or your digital imaging system.
Attention to regulatory detail is critical: you’ll ensure compliance with FAA rules, prepare reports, and issue licenses correctly. Strong record-keeping skills with Excel, Word, SharePoint, and document scanning are essential.
Good communication matters too — you’ll warn applicants about disqualifications, explain required follow-ups, collect fees, and coordinate with legal or compliance officers when cases are complex.