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FAA AME Pilot & Coast Guard Mariner Medical Exams – Seattle
 

Professional aviation training and medical examination setting

FAA Class 2 & Class 3 Medical Exams by a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)


BasicMed exams and U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner physicals in a private, physician-run office.

Convenient, one-on-one medical exams for pilots and mariners—no waiting rooms, just a streamlined visit with a doctor.

Early morning appointments

Evening & weekend availability

Seattle location

Fast scheduling

Currently Available Services

FAA BasicMed Physical Exams
Aviation medical consultations
FAA Medical Exams – Class 2 & Class 3 (AME)
United States Coast Guard  Merchant Mariner Medical Exam (CG-719K)

Pre-Visit Checklist for Pilots

Ensure a smooth examination by having these items ready before your appointment.

Complete MedXPress, if applicable
Bring a current list of medications
Bring any prior medical records or letters related to aviation
Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you use them for flying

RESOURCES

Available Medical Services

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Meet Your Examining Physician

Dr. Charles S. Nguyen, D.O. 
FAA Aviation Medical Examiner
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician

Dr. Charles Nguyen is a board-certified physician serving the Seattle aviation and maritime communities. He currently performs FAA BasicMed exams, FAA Second and Third Class medical certification  exams, aviation medical consultations, and U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner physicals for pilots and mariners.

Many pilots feel anxious about the FAA medical process, particularly the possibility of deferrals, delays, or unexpected outcomes. Dr. Nguyen focuses on helping applicants understand FAA medical requirements before their exam, prepare appropriate documentation, and know what to expect during the certification process. He takes time to explain how FAA medical certification works, what Aviation Medical Examiners can and cannot decide, and how to present medical information clearly so applicants can avoid unnecessary delays. When additional FAA review is required, he provides practical guidance on next steps so pilots are not left guessing about the process.

Dr. Nguyen is board certified by both the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) and the American Board of Osteopathic Family Physicians (ABOFP). He has broad clinical experience caring for adult and pediatric patients and brings a calm, respectful, and unhurried approach to medical examinations. In addition to aviation and maritime medical services, he performs medical advisory opinions and audit reviews for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

He also holds a Washington State Combative Sports Physician license and volunteers as a ringside physician for USA Boxing and the United South East Asia Cultural Association.

Seattle Aviation Medical was created specifically to serve pilots, flight students, and mariners with clear communication, transparent expectations, and flexible scheduling. The practice offers a physician-led, personalized alternative to large occupational health clinics, with dedicated time for questions and aeromedical counseling as well as evening and weekend appointment availability.

Aviation and Maritime Medical Exams in Seattle

Seattle Aviation Medical provides physician-performed medical evaluations for pilots, flight students, and U.S. Coast Guard mariners in the Seattle area. Services include FAA BasicMed exams,  FAA Second and Third Class medical exams, aviation medical consultations, and Merchant Mariner physicals.

Appointments are scheduled with dedicated time for questions and documentation review, helping applicants understand certification requirements before their exam and avoid unnecessary delays in the medical certification process.

Unlike large occupational health clinics, Seattle Aviation Medical offers a personalized, low-stress exam experience with clear communication and practical guidance throughout the process.

Flexible scheduling is designed to accommodate flight training schedules, airline travel, and maritime work rotations, with extended morning, evening, and weekend availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is BasicMed and am I eligible?

BasicMed is an FAA program that allows certain pilots to fly without holding a traditional FAA medical certificate, as long as they meet specific requirements.

To qualify for BasicMed, you must:

  • Hold a valid FAA pilot certificate (not student)

  • Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license

  • Have held an FAA medical certificate (any class) on or after July 14, 2006

  • Have no recent medical denial, suspension, or revocation

 

To remain current under BasicMed:

  • Complete a physical exam with a state-licensed physician every 48 months

  • Complete an FAA-approved online medical education course every 24 months

Still unsure if you are eligible? Click HERE to use the AOPA BasicMed eligibility tool.

When will full FAA Class 1, 2, and 3 medicals be available?

FAA Second and Third Class medical exams are available for scheduling now. FAA First Class exam availability is pending designation scope and will updated when confirmed.

Should I choose to go through BasicMed or FAA Class 3 medical?

It depends on your flying goals, medical history, and eligibility. Many recreational and personal-use pilots qualify for BasicMed, while others benefit from a traditional Class 3 certificate. If you’re unsure, we offer pre-exam consultations to review your situation, explain the differences, and help you choose the safest and most appropriate path before you schedule an exam. Choosing the right path ahead of time can help reduce delays and avoid unnecessary surprises.

What should I bring to my medical appointment?

Please bring:

• Government-issued photo ID
• The glasses or contact lenses you use for flying (if applicable)
• A current list of medications and medical conditions
• Your completed FAA BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC), Form 8700-2 — Section 2

 

The form is available on the FAA website or through aviation organizations such as AOPAMedXPress is not required for BasicMed exams.

If you have significant medical history or recent specialist care, bringing a brief summary or recent visit note can be helpful.

You may bring a support person if you wish.

If you’re unsure what records are needed, feel free to contact us before your appointment.

Who needs a color vision test?

First-time applicants are required to use FAA-approved computer-based testing for routine screening. Click HERE for more information about the FAA Color Vision Screening Steps.

Do you offer group evaluations for flight schools?

We provide specialized onsite evaluation days for flight schools and flying clubs in the Seattle area. This allows multiple instructors and students to complete their requirements efficiently in a professional setting.

What payment methods do you take?

We accept credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Tap-to-Pay, PayPal, CashApp, Zelle, check, and cash. All services are cash-pay services and are not billed to insurance.  Credit and debit cards are subject to processing fees.

Can I request a chaperone during my exam?

Yes. A chaperone is available upon request for any exam. Please let us know in advance so arrangements can be made. Chaperone availability is currently limited to Monday, Thursday, and weekend appointments.

Does this visit replace my primary care?

No. This is a certification exam only. It does not replace primary care and does not establish an ongoing physician-patient treatment relationship. No treatment is provided during certification exams. If medical concerns are identified, you will be advised to follow up with your primary care physician or specialist.

Do you perform Coast Guard CG-719K medical exams?

Yes. We provide Coast Guard Merchant Mariner medical examinations and complete the official CG-719K Medical Evaluation Report required for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). As a licensed physician in Washington State, I perform these exams in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard medical standards to help reduce the risk of application delays.

What is a DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine)?

A DO is a fully licensed physician—just like an MD—who can diagnose conditions, perform exams, prescribe medications, and complete medical certifications. DOs receive additional training in the musculoskeletal (MSK) system, with a focus on how bones, joints, muscles, and nerves function together.

DOs practice in all areas of medicine, including primary care, aviation medicine, and occupational health, and meet the same licensing and credentialing standards as MDs.

Do you offer Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)?

No. While Dr. Nguyen is trained in osteopathic manipulative techniques, OMT is not currently offered. Visits are focused on aviation and occupational medical exams.

Easy Access for Aviation and Maritime Medical Exams

We understand that your time is valuable. Seattle Aviation Medical provides efficient, physician-led medical exams performed directly by a licensed physician, with minimal wait times and simple scheduling.

Our West Seattle location offers easy access, convenient free parking, and flexible appointment times for FAA BasicMed exams, aviation medical consultations, and U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner physicals.

Dedicated Free Parking

Dedicated free parking is available directly in front of our office for quick access to your pilot medical exam. Park and be inside within seconds.

Convenient location

Conveniently located in West Seattle, with easy access from major airports including Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), Renton Municipal (RNT), and King County International – Boeing Field (BFI).

 

The office is also easily accessible for mariners working from Seattle waterfront terminals.

Flexible and Fast Scheduling

Early morning, evening, and weekend appointments are available to accommodate flight training schedules, airline travel, and maritime work rotations. All exams are performed directly by a licensed physician, allowing for efficient visits, accurate documentation, and time for questions.

Doctor Writing Notes

Ready to Schedule Your Medical Exam?

Visit our West Seattle office, conveniently located across from Lincoln Park with easy access and dedicated free parking.

Appointments are available for FAA BasicMed exams, FAA Second and Third Class medical exams, aviation medical consultations, and U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner physicals. 

Private, appointment-only office—no waiting rooms, no crowds. Enjoy a quiet, efficient one-on-one visit directly with a physician.

Our Office

Seattle Aviation Medical

8435 Fauntleroy Pl SW

Seattle, WA 98136

Located across from Lincoln Park in West Seattle, with convenient access for pilots traveling from Seattle-area airports and mariners working along the Seattle waterfront.

Email

DrCharles@SeattleAviationMedical.com

Need a same-day or urgent appointment? Email us directly.

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