Head, Face, Neck & Scalp Exam for Pilots Seeking Medical Certification

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Head & Neck Exam
FAA AMEs exam head and neck to determine the presence of any significant defects that could affect pilots.

AME will check for:

  • Skull defects
  • Gross deformities
  • Fistulas
  • Evidence of recent trauma
  • Limited range of motion of the head and neck
  • Scars

AME Instructions for the Exam

CHECK EACH ITEM IN APPROPRIATE COLUMN

Item Normal Abnormal
25. Head, face, neck, and scalp
26. Nose
27. Sinuses
28. Mouth and Throat
29. Ears, general (internal and external canals: Hearing under Item 49)
30. Ear Drums (Perforation)

AME will check for the following during the Head and Neck Exam:

Your head and neck will be examined to determine the presence of any significant (AME judgement call) defects such as:

  • Bony defects of the skull
  • Gross deformities
  • Fistulas
  • Evidence of recent blows or trauma to the head
  • Limited motion of the head and neck
  • Surgical scars
FAA AME Guide Version 12/03/2025