One More Hurdle

You can actually start flight training without a medical certificate and student licence but it is advisable to get this out of the way before hand. If something should prevent you from qualifying for the medical then any training would be for just good fun.

In my case I was applying for a 3rd class medical. If you pass the medical you will receive the medical and student licence at the same time. Normally you visit an AME (aviation medical examiner). This is a doctor, most seem to be pilots, who are certified by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) to conduct the medical exam and if all is well, well, I am not sure what happens. All of the normal things one might think are real important like eyes, ears, heart, etc are important but it is the unexpected thing that I did not think about. About three years ago I had a Melanoma cancer removed from my shoulder. Not all that unusual since my skin says that I really should be living in the highlands of Scotland. Fortunately, it was detected early and required only a cut and monitor program for five years. In this case the AME must "defer" to the FAA. I received a letter from the FAA with a list of required information to provide. I had to have my doc send this information within thirty days to the FAA for verification. Once the FAA verified that I did meet their medical qualifications, a 3rd class medical and student licence was issued. All in all the process took about six weeks. Not bad all things considered.

Bottom line is that if you really wish to pursue the goal of obtaining a private pilots certificate, complete your medical well in advance of the time you plan to begin actual flight training. The certificates are good for two years if over fifty. Being proactive is the way to go.