Before you get your medical An important consideration when beginning training is the medical certification requirements for the level of certification you think you want to pursue (see " The Doctor Will See You Now, " p. 38)-including down the line if you aspire to become a professional pilot. You don't have to be an athlete in peak physical condition to earn a medical certificate, but a few medical conditions are disqualifying, and some others may require costly and time-consuming testing. Finding out ahead of time how any current or past conditions could affect your medical certification will help you avoid delays by preparing all the required documentation before your aviation medical examination. Or you might choose to bypass the expense and hassle of certain requirements by opting to pursue a sport pilot certificate. AOPA medical certification specialists help members with medical certification questions, and Pilot Protection Services covers review of medical records prior to submission. Call 1-800-USA-AOPA for help with your medical certificate. The fundamentals you learn in flight training will serve you well in your future flying, whether you speed along in a high-performance aircraft or land on gravel bars in Alaska in an airplane equipped with tundra tires. FLIGHT TRAINING YOU CAN FLY 2023 15