Comparison of Summary Results: 2014 Overall Results Compared with 2012 Results for Comparable Items

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services
Airman Satisfaction Survey

Comparison of Summary Results for:

2014 Overall Results Compared with
2012 Results for Comparable Items

Federal Aviation Administration
Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Aerospace Human Factors Research Division
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
And
Xyant Technology, Incorporated
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Explanation of Report Content
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Civil Aerospace Medical Institute has surveyed airmen three times since
2006, in 2008, 2012, and most recently in 2014. The survey examined satisfaction with Aerospace Medical
Certification Services provided by AMEs, FAA Regional Flight Surgeons, and the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification
Division in Oklahoma City. The goal of each survey has been to evaluate the degree of customer satisfaction with
Aerospace Medical Certification Services, identify areas in which the FAA may improve its services to airmen, and
assess change in customer satisfaction as a result of those improvements. Airmen participation in the survey has
always been voluntary.
An invitation to complete the 2014 survey was distributed via US Postal mail to a sample of airmen who recently
sought medical certification from an AME. Airmen were offered the option to either complete the survey online via the
Internet using a computer or mobile device, or to request a paper survey to complete and return via US Postal mail.
Respondents were informed that completion of the survey, or any part of the survey, was voluntary.
This report provides an item-by-item comparison of the 2012 (n=4,256) and 2014 (n=3,703) survey results for airmen
who met the criteria for inclusion (i.e., recently sought Class I, Class II, or Class III medical certification from an AME).
Additional results are in the report appendices. Appendix A contains a listing of the 2014 survey items. Appendix B
documents the differences in item and response option wording for 2012 and 2014 comparable survey items. Note: the
 at the end of an item signifies results are for slightly different but comparable items from the two surveys. Responses
to the open-ended text items and additional feedback are provided in a separate document, which is available upon
request.
Example of Report Format
Response Distribution (%)
2012

10. Overall how satisfied were you with the performance
of MedXPress?
n

m

49.0

1,631

3.86

1.11

2014

3,151

3.70

1.10

51.9
28.6

sd

2012

2014

7.6

8.5

Very
dissatisfied (1)

4.7

4.9

Dissatisfied (2)

10.1

14.8

Neither (3)

Satisfied (4)

19.9

Very
satisfied (5)

Descriptive Statistics
Sample of Airmen (N). The number of airmen who had the opportunity to complete the survey.
Number of Respondents (n). The number of airmen who provided a valid response.
Mean (m). The arithmetic average, calculated as the sum of response values for an item divided by the number of
respondents who answered that item.
Standard Deviation (sd). The measure of dispersion, or spread, of values around the mean. Smaller standard
deviation values indicate higher levels of agreement among respondents.
Frequency Count. The number of times a response option is selected. The frequency count for ‘mark all that apply’
items may sum to greater than the number of respondents.
Percent (%) of Respondents. The percent is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count by the Number of
Respondents and multiplying by 100.
Response Distribution (%). The proportion, or percentage, of respondents that selected a given response across all
item response options.

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results
Responses to some items are required to skip items not relevant to the airmen's experiences. The labels on the 5-point
interval scales start low (e.g., very dissatisfied, not at all, far below expectations) with a value of “1” and go high (e.g., very
satisfied, great extent, far above expectations) with a value of “5”; the scale mid-point (e.g., neither, moderate extent, met
expectations) has a value of “3”. As a reminder, responses to the text-entry items are provided in a separate document,
which is available upon request. Also, in the body of the report a  at the end of an item indicates a difference in wording,
response scale, and/or sequence between the surveys. The differences are documented in Appendix B.

AME SERVICES

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Response Distribution (%)

1.

2012

Which airman medical certificate did you apply for?
(required)

2014
52.7

51.1

n
2012 4,256

29.2

29.0
20.0

18.2

2014 3,703
Class I

2.

Class II

Class III

How many months ago did you submit your application?
n
2012 4,251

29.9

27.6

26.1

22.6

15.8

15.4

13.4

12.9

17.5

18.8

2014 3,680
0-3 months

3.

How many miles did you travel one way for the
exam appointment with your aviation medical
examiner (AME)?

67.8

7-9 months

10-12 months

13 months or
more

67.4

19.6

n
2012 4,246
2014 3,669

4-6 months

19.2
6.1

5.6
0-24 miles

25-50 miles

51-75 miles

2.8

2.9

76-100 miles

4.2

4.5

101 miles or more

Results for Item 3a include only respondents who indicated ‘101 miles or more’ on Item 3 and provided a written
response.
3a. Responses to '101 miles or more' traveled one way for exam appointment.
(Available upon request)
2014

4.

n
159

How many AMEs did you contact before making
your exam appointment?

90.2

89.9

n
2012 4,234
2014 3,671

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

7.6

7.3
1

2

1.8

1.8
3

0.3

0.3
4

0.4

0.4

5 or more

Page 1

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results
5.

What was the basis for selecting your AME? [mark all that apply ]
n
2012 4,236
2014 3,683
Frequency Count*

2012

2014

356
60
873
329
2,344
293
138
424

295
44
707
253
1,980
215
105
394

--1,285
299
252
285

193
973
306
185
204

% of Respondents**

2012

2014

8.4
1.4
20.6
7.8
55.3
6.9
3.3
10.0

8.0
1.2
19.2
6.9
53.8
5.8
2.9
10.7

--30.3
7.1
6.0
6.7

5.2
26.4
8.3
5.0
5.5

Referred by flight instructor or school
Referred by airline or AME employed by airline
Referred by pilot
Referred by doctor or previous AME
Performed my previous medical certification exam(s)
Is my primary care doctor
Makes quick certification decisions
Licensed to perform needed service (Class I exam, special issuance,
etc.)
Handles complex cases
Nearest location
Earliest available appointment
Low cost
Other reason(s) (enter below)

--- Signifies response option was not available in 2012.
*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.

Results for Item 5a include only respondents who indicated ‘Other reason’ on Item 5 and provided a written response.
5a. Responses to 'Other reason' for AME selected.
(Available upon request)
2014

n
199

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
6.

Did the AME’s office tell you to bring the following to your exam
appointment?
valid photo ID
n
2014 3,202

Response Distribution (%)
2014

79.1

n (Do not remember)
3,488
7.0
Yes

MedXPress confirmation number
n
2014 3,297

8.2

No, but did
need for exam

No, not
needed for exam

Do not remember

4.0

8.4

7.1

No, but did
need for exam

No, not
needed for exam

Do not remember

87.6

n (Do not remember)
3,548
Yes

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

13.9

Page 2

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
6.

Did the AME’s office tell you to bring the following to your exam
appointment?
printout of completed Summary Sheet from
MedXPress
n
2014 3,077

Response Distribution (%)
2014

71.6

n (Do not remember)
3,461

21.6
11.1

6.8
Yes

list of your medications
n
2014 3,323

No, but did
need for exam

No, not
needed for exam

Do not remember

67.7

n (Do not remember)
3,512

23.6
8.7
Yes

No, but did
need for exam

5.4
No, not
needed for exam

Do not remember

medical history details (e.g., dates of
hospitalizations and medical exams)
61.5

n
2014 3,237

n (Do not remember)
3,469

26.7
11.8

Yes

No, but did
need for exam

6.7
No, not
needed for exam

Do not remember

current medical tests/lab results
n
2014 3,191

n (Do not remember)
3,445

48.6

39.8
11.6

Yes

No, but did
need for exam

7.4
No, not
needed for exam

Do not remember

past medical tests/lab results
n
2014 3,107

n (Do not remember)
3,396

56.3
31.3
12.4

Yes

No, but did
need for exam

8.5
No, not
needed for exam

Do not remember

special issuance paperwork
60.4

n
2014 3,061

n (Do not remember)
3,375

29.4
10.2
Yes

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

No, but did
need for exam

9.3
No, not
needed for exam

Do not remember

Page 3

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Response Distribution (%)

6.

Did the AME’s office tell you to bring the following to your exam
appointment?

2012

SODA (statement of demonstrated ability)
paperwork
n
2014 2,751

7.

78.0

n (Do not remember)
3,288

n (Do not remember)
4,234

2014 3,485

3,657

16.3

11.6

10.4

Yes

No, but did
need for exam

Did you use MedXPress to submit your application?
(required)
n
2012 4,001

2014

90.9

No, not
needed for exam

Do not remember

59.1

40.9
9.2
Yes

5.5

No

4.7

Do not remember

Results for Item 8 through Item 14 include only respondents who indicated 'Yes' on Item 7 .
8.

Did your AME’s office ask you to provide your
MedXPress Summary Sheet before your exam
appointment? (required)
n
2014 2,632

60.2
39.8

n (Do not remember)
3,137

16.1

Yes

No
(Skip to item 10)

Do not remember
(Skip to item 10)

Results for Item 9 include only respondents who indicated 'Yes' on Item 8 .
9.

Based on their receipt of your MedXPress Summary
Sheet, did your AME’s office ask you to bring
additional documentation to your exam
appointment?
n
2014 1,381

72.1

28.0
12.7

n (Do not remember)
1,581
Yes

No

Do not remember

10. Overall how satisfied were you with the performance
of MedXPress?
49.0

n
2012 1,631
2014 3,151

m
3.86
3.70

sd
1.11

51.9
28.6

7.6

8.5

4.7

4.9

10.1

14.8

19.9

1.10
Very
dissatisfied (1)

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Dissatisfied (2)

Neither (3)

Satisfied (4)

Very
satisfied (5)

Page 4

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Response Distribution (%)
2014

11. How did MedXPress perform compared to your
expectations?
n
2014 3,143

m
3.09

69.8

sd
0.68

16.5

8.0

2.6

3.0

Far below
Below
Met
Above
Far above
expectations (1) expectations (2) expectations (3) expectations (4) expectations (5)

12. Overall how would you rate the performance of MedXPress?
n
2014 3,148

m
3.70

sd
0.90

49.0
27.2
16.0
2.9

5.0

Very poor (1)

Poor (2)

13. Did the AME access your MedXPress form online
during the exam appointment? (required)
n
2014 1,935

Average (3)

Good (4)

Excellent (5)

94.0

n (Do not remember)
3,157

6.2
Yes
(Skip to item 15)

8.0

0.0

No

Do not know
(Skip to item 15)

Do not remember
(Skip to item 15)

Results for Item 14 include only respondents who indicated 'No' on Item 13 .
14. What was the main reason the AME did not access
your MedXPress form online during the exam
appointment?
2014

n
114

69.3

21.1
5.3

1.8

2.6

Did not have
confirmation #

Confirmation #
expired

AME not
accepting
MedXPress

AME did not
require
MedXPress

Other reason

Results for Item 14a include only respondents who indicated ‘Other reason’ on Item 14 and provided a written response.
14a. Responses to 'Other reason' for AME did not access MedXPress online form.
(Available upon request)
2014

n
76

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Page 5

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results

15a. During your exam appointment, who reviewed your medical history with you? [mark all that apply ]

n
2012 4,198
2014 3,617
Frequency Count*

2012

2014

435
3,359
238
246
350
96
---

138
3,089
37
210
358
81
85

% of Respondents**

No one
AME
Another Physician (not the AME)
Physician's Assistant
Nurse
Other office personnel
Do not remember

2012

2014

10.4
80.0
5.7
5.9
8.3
2.3
---

3.8
85.4
1.0
5.8
9.9
2.2
2.4

--- Signifies response option was not available in 2012.
*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.

15b. During your exam appointment, who performed your physical exam? [mark all that apply ]
n
2012 4,204
2014 3,606
Frequency Count*
2012

2014

41
3,979
130
256
469
65
---

19
3,476
26
159
295
53
16

% of Respondents**

No one
AME
Another Physician (not the AME)
Physician's Assistant
Nurse
Other office personnel
Do not remember

2012

2014

1.0
94.7
3.1
6.1
11.2
1.6
---

0.5
96.4
0.7
4.4
8.2
1.5
0.4

--- Signifies response option was not available in 2012.
*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Results for Item 16 include only respondents who indicated that an 'AME' performed their physical exam on Item 15b .
16. Did your AME...?

Response Distribution (%)
2014

perform a thorough medical exam
n
2014 3,434

93.2

6.8
Yes

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

No

Page 6

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
16. Did your AME...?

Response Distribution (%)
2012

examine your eyes and ears with a
medical device

2014

96.9

95.6

n
2012 4,169
2014 3,439

4.4
Yes

have you remove or undo articles of
clothing for the exam

83.2

3.1
No

81.8

n
2012 4,157

18.2

16.8

2014 3,432
Yes

listen to your heart and lungs

No

99.2

98.3

n
2012 4,168
2014 3,439
1.7
Yes

0.8
No

17. To what extent did your AME...?
provide a professional setting for the medical
exam, including cleanliness and appearance
n
2012 4,158

m
4.42

sd
0.76

2014 3,599

4.50

0.76

55.7
32.9
0.4

0.5

Not at all (1)

1.8

1.9

Limited extent (2)

9.3

63.5

26.2

8.0

Moderate
extent (3)

Considerable
extent (4)

Great
extent (5)

charge appropriately for services
n
2012 4,149

m
4.04

sd
0.92

2014 3,513

4.16

0.95

24.8
1.4

1.3

Not at all (1)

2.5

2014 3,414

m
3.96
4.02

Limited extent (2)

sd
1.10
1.16

20.4

Moderate
extent (3)

Considerable
extent (4)

32.1
17.6
4.3

5.1

Not at all (1)

6.4

37.7

46.9

28.1

3.3

clearly explain your responsibilities in the
medical certification process
n
2012 4,145

33.6

6.9

Limited extent (2)

Great
extent (5)

39.6

45.3

28.1

14.6

Moderate
extent (3)

Considerable
extent (4)

Great
extent (5)

provide you with all the information you requested
2012

n
4,133

m
4.22

sd
0.99

2014

3,184

4.33

0.95

50.4
31.1
2.4

1.9

Not at all (1)

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

4.6

4.3

Limited extent (2)

11.4

57.4

26.9

9.5

Moderate
extent (3)

Considerable
extent (4)

Great
extent (5)

Page 7

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Response Distribution (%)
2012

17. To what extent did your AME...?

2014

provide information you requested in a timely manner

2012
2014

n
4,111
2,947

m
4.24
4.32

51.9

sd
1.00
0.99

30.1
2.9

2.8

Not at all (1)

4.1

3.9

Limited extent (2)

11.0

57.4

26.6

9.4

Moderate
extent (3)

Considerable
extent (4)

Great
extent (5)

provide you with accurate information
2012
2014

n
4,121
3,462

m
4.29
4.35

54.0

sd
0.96
0.95

30.0
2.6

2.1

Not at all (1)

3.7

3.7

Limited extent (2)

9.8

26.5

9.7

Moderate
extent (3)

Considerable
extent (4)

treat you with courtesy and respect
2012

n
4,163

m
4.60

sd
0.74

2014

3,590

4.62

0.74

Great
extent (5)

70.7

21.6
0.8

1.1

Not at all (1)

1.6

1.4

Limited extent (2)

5.4

58.0

73.0

19.4

5.1

Moderate
extent (3)

Considerable
extent (4)

Great
extent (5)

18. Overall how satisfied were you with your exam appointment?
(required)
2012

n
4,174

m
4.29

sd
1.10

2014

3,616

4.33

0.96

57.7
28.9
6.1

3.3

Very
dissatisfied (1)

3.3

3.5

Dissatisfied (2)

4.0

54.8

33.3

5.2

Neither (3)
Satisfied (4) Very satisfied (5)
(Skip to item 20) (Skip to item 20) (Skip to item 20)

Results for Item 19 include only respondents who indicated ‘Very dissatisfied’ or 'Dissatisfied' on Item 18 .
19. Why were you dissatisfied with the exam appointment? [mark all that apply ]
2014

n
216

Frequency Count*

122
38
19
2
8
37
117

AME did not issue my certificate during the exam appointment
The exam was not thorough
Not examined in a professional environment
AME conducted the exam at a different location than listed in the FAA
directory
I had to remove articles of clothing
Not treated with courtesy and respect
Other reason(s) (enter below)

% of Respondents**

56.5
17.6
8.8
0.9
3.7
17.1
54.2

*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.
Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Page 8

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results
Results for Item 19a include only respondents who indicated ‘Other reason’ on Item 19 and provided a written response.
19a. Responses to 'Other reason' for dissatisfaction with the exam appointment.
(Available upon request)
2014

n
117

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Response Distribution (%)
2012

20. Overall how satisfied were you with the quality of
service provided by your AME? (required)
2012

n
4,173

m
4.34

60.7

sd
1.08
26.4

2014

3,584

4.42

0.90

2014

5.7

2.4

Very
dissatisfied (1)

2.8

4.3

2.9

Dissatisfied (2)

59.5

30.3

5.0

Neither (3)
Satisfied (4) Very satisfied (5)
(Skip to item 22) (Skip to item 22) (Skip to item 22)

Results for Item 21 include only respondents who indicated ‘Very dissatisfied’ or 'Dissatisfied' on Item 20 .
21. Why were you dissatisfied with the quality of AME services? [mark all that apply ]
2014

n
170

Frequency Count*

89
36
37
83
54
73

% of Respondents**

AME did not issue my certificate during the exam appointment
AME lacked knowledge of current airman medical certification standards
Not informed of required documentation to bring to the exam
Not informed of additional documentation that the FAA would require to
issue my certificate
Not informed of status of application
Other reason(s) (enter below)

52.4
21.2
21.8
48.8
31.8
42.9

*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.

Results for Item 21a include only respondents who indicated ‘Other reason’ on Item 21 and provided a written response.
21a. Responses to 'Other reason' for dissatisfaction with the quality of AME services.
(Available upon request)
2014

n
72

22. Based on your most recent experience with your AME, to
what extent does the FAA airman medical certification
process ensure the safety of the National Airspace System?
(required)
2012

n
4,166

m
3.43

sd
1.22
6.7

2014

3,603

3.19

10.6

19.0

24.3

22.0

18.8

29.5

27.9

22.9

18.4

1.28
Not at all (1)

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Limited extent (2) Moderate extent
(3)

Considerable Great extent (5)
extent (4)
(Skip to item 24)
(Skip to item 24)

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FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Results for Item 23 include only respondents who indicated 'Not at all', ‘Limited extent’, or 'Moderate extent' on Item 22 .
Response Distribution (%)
2012

23. What is the main reason for responding either ‘Not at all’,
‘Limited extent’, or ‘Moderate extent’ to item 22 asking to what
extent the FAA airman medical certification process ensures
safety of the National Air Space?
n
2014 1,909

2014

47.0

13.9

10.3

Exam not
comprehensive

Exam not
thorough

15.0

13.7

Deters pilots Encourages pilots
from applying
to be dishonest

Other reason

Results for Item 23a include only respondents who indicated ‘Other reason’ on Item 23 and provided a written response.
23a. Responses to 'Other reason' for responding either ‘Not at all’, ‘Limited extent’, or ‘Moderate extent.
(Available upon request)
2014

n
889

Results for Item 24 include only respondents who indicated 'Considerable extent' or 'Great extent' on Item 22 .
24. What is the main reason for responding either ‘Considerable
extent’ or ‘Great extent’ to item 22 asking to what extent the
FAA airman medical certification process ensures safety of
the National Air Space?

82.0

n
2014 1,654
13.7

Ensure pilots are medically
safe

4.3

Deters pilots from flying

Other reason

Results for Item 24a include only respondents who indicated ‘Other reason’ on Item 24 and provided a written response.
24a. Responses to 'Other reason' for responding either ‘Considerable extent’ or ‘Great extent’.
(Available upon request)
2014

n
71

25. Was your medical certificate issued on the same day as your
exam appointment? (required)
58.8

2012

n
4,216

2014

3,606

60.7
41.2

Yes (Skip to item 37)

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

39.3

No

Page 10

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Results for Item 26 through Item 36 include only respondents who indicated 'No' on Item 25 .
Response Distribution (%)
2012

26. Which of the following best describes the processing
of your application for a medical certification?
(required)
2012

n
1,728

2014

1,414

2014
88.8

83.5

16.6

11.2

AME required additional information
(Skip to item 37)

AME deferred application to RFS or AMCD

Results for Item 27 through Item 36 include only respondents who indicated 'The AME deferred my application to the
RFS or to the AMCD in Oklahoma City for review’ on Item 26 .
27. Did your AME explain to you the requirements for
additional documentation to meet FAA standards?
n
2014 1,176

76.2

n (Do not remember)
1,245
23.8
5.5
Yes

No

Do not remember

28. How long did the AME tell you it would take to
receive a decision regarding your medical
certification?
n
2014 1,247

45.6
25.7
14.4

10.7

3.7
Did not say

2-10 days

11-30 days

31-90 days

91 days or more

29. Which of the following best describes what happened after
the AME deferred your application to the RFS or the AMCD in
Oklahoma City? (required)
2012

n
1,434

2014

1,250

13.1

24.8
9.7

Issued with no
additional
information

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

36.1

34.6

19.6

26.1

27.3
0.0

Issued after
supplied
additional
information

Still under review

Denied

8.9

Have not been
contacted by FAA

Page 11

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Results for Item 30 include only respondents who indicated 'No additional information was requested from me before
being issued my certificate' or 'I had to supply additional information, and then was issued my certificate' on Item 29 .
Response Distribution (%)
2014

30. How long did it actually take to receive a decision on
your medical certification?

2014

n
360

41.9

34.7

17.2
6.1
2-10 days

11-30 days

31-90 days

91 days or more

FAA AIRMAN MEDICAL CERTIFICATION SERVICES
Results for Item 31 through Item 36 exclude those respondents who indicated 'I have not been contacted by the FAA' on
Item 29 .
31. Did you have contact with a medical representative concerning issuance of your medical certificate at any of the
following FAA offices? [mark all that apply ]
Regional Medical Division/Regional Flight Surgeon (RFS) Office
2014

n
513

Frequency Count*

362
82
16
83

No contact
Phone
E-mail
Postal mail

% of Respondents**

70.6
16.0
3.1
16.2

*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.

Aerospace Medical Certification Division (AMCD) – Oklahoma City
2014

n
722

Frequency Count*

160
186
18
442

No contact
Phone
E-mail
Postal mail

% of Respondents**

22.2
25.8
2.5
61.2

*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Page 12

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results
31. Did you have contact with a medical representative concerning issuance of your medical certificate at any of the
following FAA offices? [mark all that apply ]
Office of Aerospace Medicine (OAM) – Washington, DC
2014

n
419

Frequency Count*

374
22
0
28

% of Respondents**

No contact
Phone
E-mail
Postal mail

89.3
5.3
0.0
6.7

*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.

Results for Item 32 through Item 36 includes only respondents who indicated that they had contact with at least one of
the FAA offices on Item 31 .

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Response Distribution (%)

32. What was the longest time that the FAA medical
representative(s) told you it would take to receive a
decision on your medical certificate?
2014

2012

2014

65.2

n
626

17.1

Did not say

11.5

5.8

0.5
2-10 days

11-30 days

31-90 days

91 days or more

33. To what extent did the FAA medical
representative(s) you had contact with…?
clearly explain your responsibilities in the
medical certification process
2012

n
1,525

m
3.10

sd
1.33

16.1

2014

558

2.83

1.38

Not at all (1)

23.5

18.2

19.5

Limited extent (2)

22.8

22.6

Moderate
extent (3)

25.4

19.5

Considerable
extent (4)

17.6

14.9

Great
extent (5)

provide you with all the information you requested
2012

n
1,491

m
3.09

sd
1.34

26.2
14.8

2014

485

2.58

22.2

30.7

21.1

15.9

22.5

13.6

19.3

13.6

1.36
Not at all (1)

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Limited extent (2)

Moderate
extent (3)

Considerable
extent (4)

Great
extent (5)

Page 13

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Response Distribution (%)

33. To what extent did the FAA medical
representative(s) you had contact with…?

2012

2014

provide information you requested in a timely manner
2012
2014

n
1,488
484

m
2.95
2.48

sd
1.39

33.5
20.4

20.5

21.7

21.0

19.8

20.0

13.6

18.1

1.37
Not at all (1)

Limited extent (2)

Moderate
extent (3)

Considerable
extent (4)

11.4

Great
extent (5)

provide you with accurate information
2012

n
1,498

m
3.24

sd
1.33
13.6

2014

532

2.84

19.7

17.3

25.9

21.6

20.1

26.7

18.8

20.9

15.4

1.35
Not at all (1)

Limited extent (2)

Moderate
extent (3)

Considerable
extent (4)

Great
extent (5)

treat you with courtesy and respect
2012
2014

n
1,519
514

m
3.70
3.44

sd
1.24
1.31

7.7

11.3

Not at all (1)

10.1

13.2

Limited extent (2)

19.6

22.2

Moderate
extent (3)

29.9

27.2

Considerable
extent (4)

32.7

26.1

Great
extent (5)

34. Overall how satisfied were you with the quality of
services provided by the FAA medical
representative(s)? (required)
2012

n
1,546

m
3.07

sd
1.41

2014

632

2.55

1.31

20.6

29.8

Very
dissatisfied (1)

16.4

21.7

Dissatisfied (2)

17.1

20.1

27.7

20.9

18.2
7.6

Neither (3)
Satisfied (4)
Very satisfied (5)
(Skip to item 36) (Skip to item 36) (Skip to item 36)

Results for Item 35 include only respondents who indicated ‘Very dissatisfied’ or 'Dissatisfied' Item 34 .
35. Why were you dissatisfied with the quality of services provided by the FAA medical representative(s)? [mark all that
apply ]
2014

n
323

Frequency Count*

118
42
128
108
118
183
180
141

Denied my medical certificate
Not treated with courtesy and respect
Not adequately informed of requirements for additional documentation
Failed to explain requirements for additional documentation
Not informed of status of application
Poor communication on where application was in the review process
Took too long to complete the review
Other reason(s) (enter below)

% of Respondents**

36.5
13.0
39.6
33.4
36.5
56.7
55.7
43.7

*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Page 14

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results
Results for Item 35a include only respondents who indicated ‘Other reason’ on Item 35 and provided a written response.
35a. Responses to 'Other reason' for dissatisfaction with the quality of services provided by the FAA medical
representative(s). (Available upon request)
2014

n
141

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Response Distribution (%)
2012

36. Based on your most recent experience with the FAA medical
representative(s), to what extent does the FAA airman
medical certification process ensure the safety of the National
Airspace System?
2012

n
1,546

m
2.99

sd
1.29
13.5

2014

624

2.60

20.5

27.9

2014

33.5
20.3

23.0

19.2

19.4

15.4

7.4

1.22
Not at all (1)

Limited extent (2)

Moderate
extent (3)

Considerable
extent (4)

Great
extent (5)

37. What year was your most recent airman medical
certification?
44.5

n
2014 3,401

35.0
7.0
2011

13.5

2012

2013

2014

DEMOGRAPHICS

38. Which pilot certificate(s) do you currently hold? [mark all that apply ]
2012

n
4,154

2014

3,562

Frequency Count*

2012
16
--9
1,636
1,880
1,348

2014
27
4
6
1,411
1,647
1,159

Student
Sport
Recreational
Private
Commercial
Airline Transport

% of Respondents**

2012
0.4
--0.2
39.4
45.3
32.5

2014
0.8
0.1
0.2
39.6
46.2
32.5

--- Signifies response option was not available in 2012.
*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Page 15

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results
39. Which rating(s) do you currently hold? [mark all that apply ]
n
2012 4,054
2014

3,552

Frequency Count*

2012

2014

970
1,945
1,144
---

673
2,552
1,007
783

% of Respondents**

Do not hold any rating
Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Other

2012

2014

23.9
48.0
28.2
---

19.0
71.9
28.4
22.0

--- Signifies response option was not available in 2012.
*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Response Distribution (%)
2012

2014



40. Are you currently employed as a pilot? (Required)
72.2

2012
2014

75.1

n
4,167

20.5
7.2

3,593
Not employed as a pilot
(Skip to item 42)

18.5

6.5

Part-time pilot

Full-time pilot

Results for Item 41 include only respondents who indicated ‘Full-time pilot’ or 'Part-time pilot' Item 40 .

41. Is your employment as a pilot with a certificated operator conducting flights under the following?
[mark all that apply ]

2012

n
1,109

2014

884

Frequency Count*

2012

2014

87
437
368
14

50
353
248
5

3

0

31
201
44
87
29
132

20
168
31
58
28
126

Part 61 (Sport pilot)
Part 91 (Corporate)
Part 121 (Flag, domestic, supplemental operations)
Part 125 (Aircraft with 20 or more seats and cargo payload of 6,000
pounds or more when common carriage is not involved)
Part 129 (Foreign air carrier & foreign operator of US-registered aircraft
used in common carriage)
Part 133 (Rotorcraft external loads)
Part 135 (Commuter/On-demand operations)
Part 137 (Agricultural operations)
Part 141 (Pilot schools)
Part 142 (Training centers)
Other Part or Operation (enter below)

% of Respondents**

2012

2014

7.8
39.4
33.2
1.3

5.7
39.9
28.1
0.6

0.3

0.0

2.8
18.1
4.0
7.8
2.6
11.9

2.3
19.0
3.5
6.6
3.2
14.3

*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.
Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Page 16

FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Services Airman Satisfaction Survey - Overall Results
Results for Item 41a include only respondents who indicated ‘Other part or operation’ on Item 41 and provided a written
response.
41a. Write-in responses for 'Other Part or Operation' regarding certificated operator.
(Available upon request)
n
126

2014

42. Which region handled your most recent application for airman medical certification? (Required)
n
2012 4,172
2014

3,590

Frequency Count*

2012

2014

53
217
536
684
141
504
820
575
642

44
199
421
578
121
438
710
529
550

% of Respondents**

Alaskan Region (AAL)
Central Region (ACE)
Eastern Region (AEA)
Great Lakes Region (AGL)
New England Region (ANE)
Northwest Mountain Region (ANM)
Southern Region (ASO)
Southwest Region (ASW)
Western-Pacific Region (AWP)

2012

2014

1.3
5.2
12.9
16.4
3.4
12.1
19.7
13.8
15.4

1.2
5.5
11.7
16.1
3.4
12.2
19.8
14.7
15.3

COMMENTS
Item 43 provided airmen the opportunity to comment or offer helpful suggestions for improving Aerospace Medical
Certification Services (AMCS). Airmen were informed that identifying information such as names would be removed and
that comments were subject to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Airmen were asked to categorize their input as
compliment, complaint, recommendation, or general comment.
43. Any additional feedback for the FAA, beyond what you have already provided, regarding airman medical certification
services? [mark all that apply ] (Available upon request)
2014

n
3,703

Frequency Count*

702
214
417
613
1,854

% of Respondents**

Recommendation for improvement
Compliment
Complaint
General Comment
Nothing more to add

19.7
6.0
11.7
17.2
52.1

*Frequency Count can sum to greater than the Number of Respondents (n) due to multiple responses [mark all that apply ].
**Percent of Respondents is calculated by dividing the Frequency Count for each response option by the Number of Respondents to the item
(n) and multiplying by 100.

Response distribution percentages may not sum to 100% due to rounding.

Page 17

Appendix A: Airman Medical Certification Services 2014 Feedback Survey

A1

You will be evaluating the quality of airman medical certification services provided by:




your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME),
your Regional Flight Surgeon (RFS) Office, and
the Aerospace Medical Certification Division (AMCD) in Oklahoma City.

You will also evaluate your use of MedXPress (OMB control No. 2120-3400).
Your thoroughness and honesty in completing the survey are appreciated. Your feedback will help us improve medical
certification services offered to all airman applicants. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Your responses will be
kept private to the extent provided by law.
Instructions: Read each item carefully then mark the response that best describes your most recent application
for an airman medical certificate. Note: Some items require a response in order to skip items not relevant to you.

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
1. Which airman medical certificate did you apply for? (required)
 Class I
 Class II
 Class III
 My medical certificate expired and I have not applied for another (Stop here and return the survey. Thank You!)
 I have never applied for an airman medical certificate (Stop here and return the survey. Thank You!)
2. How many months ago did you submit your application?
 0-3 months
 4-6 months
 7-9 months
 10-12 months
 13 months or more
3. How many miles did you travel one way for the exam appointment with your aviation medical examiner (AME)?
 0-24 miles
 25-50 miles
 51-75 miles
 76-100 miles
 101 miles or more (explain below)
Reason(s) for traveling 101 miles or more for your appointment: ___________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
4. How many AMEs did you contact before making your exam appointment?
 1
 2
 3
 4
 5 or more

A2

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
5. What was the basis for selecting your AME? [mark all that apply]
 Referred by flight instructor or school
 Referred by airline or AME employed by airline
 Referred by pilot
 Referred by doctor or previous AME
 Performed my previous medical certification exam(s)
 Is my primary care doctor
 Makes quick certification decisions
 Licensed to perform needed service (Class I exam, special issuance, etc.)
 Handles complex cases
 Nearest location
 Earliest available appointment
 Low cost
 Other reason(s) (write in below)
Other reason(s) for selecting your AME: _____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
6. Did the AME’s office tell you to bring the following to your exam appointment?
Yes

No, but did
need for exam

No, not needed
for exam

Do not
remember

valid photo ID ........................................................................









MedXPress confirmation number .........................................









printout of completed Summary Sheet from MedXPress .....









list of your medications .........................................................









medical history details (e.g., dates of hospitalizations and
medical exams).....................................................................









current medical tests/lab results ...........................................









past medical tests/lab results ...............................................









special issuance paperwork .................................................









SODA (statement of demonstrated ability) paperwork .........









7. Did you use MedXPress to submit your application? (required)
 Yes
 No (skip to item 15, on the next page)
 Do not remember (skip to item 15, on the next page)
8. Did your AME’s office ask you to provide your MedXPress Summary Sheet before your exam appointment?
(required)
 Yes
 No (skip to item 10)
 Do not remember (skip to item 10)
9. Based on their receipt of your MedXPress Summary Sheet, did your AME’s office ask you to bring additional
documentation to your exam appointment?
 Yes
 No
 Do not remember

A3

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
10. Overall how satisfied were you with the performance of MedXPress?
 Very dissatisfied
 Dissatisfied
 Neither
 Satisfied
 Very satisfied
11. How did MedXPress perform compared to your expectations?
 Far below expectations
 Below expectations
 Met expectations
 Above expectations
 Far above expectations
12. Overall how would you rate the performance of MedXPress?
 Very poor
 Poor
 Average
 Good
 Excellent
13. Did the AME access your MedXPress form online during the exam appointment? (required)
 Yes (skip to item 15)
 No
 Do not know (skip to item 15)
 Do not remember (skip to item 15)
14. What was the main reason the AME did not access your MedXPress form online during the exam
appointment?
 I did not have my confirmation number
 My confirmation number had expired
 The AME was not accepting MedXPress
 The AME did not require MedXPress
 Other reason (write in below)
Main reason the AME did not access your MedXPress form online during the exam appointment: ______________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
15. During your exam appointment, who…? [mark all that apply]
No one

AME

Another
physician
(not the AME)

reviewed your medical history
with you ........................................















performed your physical exam .....















Physician’s
Assistant

Nurse

Other office
personnel

Do not
remember

Note: Answer item 16 only if you indicated that an ‘AME’ performed your physical exam on item 15.
16. Did your AME...?

Yes

No

perform a thorough medical exam……… ............................





examine your eyes and ears with a medical device ............





have you remove or undo articles of clothing for the exam .





listen to your heart and lungs ...............................................





A4

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
Not at
all

Limited
extent

Moderate
extent

Considerable
extent

Great
extent

N/A

provide a professional setting for the medical
exam, including cleanliness and appearance ..............













charge appropriately for services ................................













clearly explain your responsibilities in the medical
certification process .....................................................













provide you with all the information you requested .....













provide information you requested in a timely
manner .........................................................................













provide you with accurate information .........................













treat you with courtesy and respect .............................













17. To what extent did your AME...?

18. Overall how satisfied were you with your exam appointment? (required)
 Very dissatisfied
 Dissatisfied
 Neither (skip to item 20)
 Satisfied (skip to item 20)
 Very satisfied (skip to item 20)
19. Why were you dissatisfied with the exam appointment? [mark all that apply]
 AME did not issue my certificate during the exam appointment
 The exam was not thorough
 Not examined in a professional environment
 AME conducted the exam at a different location than listed in the FAA directory
 I had to remove articles of clothing
 Not treated with courtesy and respect
 Other reason(s) (write in below)
Other reason(s) you were dissatisfied with the exam appointment: ______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
20. Overall how satisfied were you with the quality of service provided by your AME? (required)
 Very dissatisfied
 Dissatisfied
 Neither (skip to item 22)
 Satisfied (skip to item 22)
 Very satisfied (skip to item 22)
21. Why were you dissatisfied with the quality of AME services? [mark all that apply]
 AME did not issue my certificate during the exam appointment
 AME lacked knowledge of current airman medical certification standards
 Not informed of required documentation to bring to the exam
 Not informed of additional documentation that the FAA would require to issue my certificate
 Not informed of status of application
 Other reason(s) (write in below)
Other reason(s) you were dissatisfied with the quality of AME services: __________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________

A5

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
22. Based on your most recent experience with your AME, to what extent does the FAA airman medical
certification process ensure the safety of the National Airspace System? (required)
 Not at all
 Limited extent
 Moderate extent
 Considerable extent (skip to item 24, on the next page)
 Great extent (skip to item 24, on the next page)
Note: Skip to item 24 if you answered ‘Considerable extent’ or ‘Great extent’ to item 22.
23. What is the main reason for responding either ‘Not at all’, ‘Limited extent’, or ‘Moderate extent’ to item 22
asking to what extent the FAA airman medical certification process ensures safety of the National Air Space?
 Exam is not comprehensive enough to adequately screen pilots
 Not all AMEs perform thorough exams
 Deters pilots from applying for medical certification
 Encourages pilots to be dishonest on application for medical certification
 Other reason (write in below)
Main reason for response: ______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Note: Skip to item 25 if you answered ‘Not at all’, ‘Limited extent’, or ‘Moderate extent’ to item 22.
24. What is the main reason for responding either ‘Considerable extent’ or ‘Great extent’ to item 22 asking to
what extent the FAA airman medical certification process ensures safety of the National Air Space?
 Ensures pilots are medically safe to fly
 Deters pilots from flying, if not medically qualified
 Other reason (write in below)
Main reason for response: ______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
25. Was your medical certificate issued on the same day as your exam appointment? (required)
 Yes (skip to item 37, on page 7)
 No
26. Which of the following best describes the processing of your application for a medical certification?
(required)
 The AME required additional information before issuing my certificate (skip to item 37, on page 7)
 The AME deferred my application for review to the Regional Flight Surgeon (RFS) or to the Aerospace Medical
Certification Division (AMCD) in Oklahoma City
27. Did your AME explain to you the requirements for additional documentation to meet FAA standards?
 Yes
 No
 Do not remember
28. How long did the AME tell you it would take to receive a decision regarding your medical certification?
 Did not say
 2-10 days
 11-30 days
 31-90 days
 91 days or more
A6

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
29. Which of the following best describes what happened after the AME deferred your application to the RFS or
the AMCD in Oklahoma City? (required)
 No additional information was requested from me before being issued my certificate
 I had to supply additional information, and then was issued my certificate
 I have been contacted by the FAA and my application is still under review (skip to item 31, on the next page)
 I was denied a medical certificate (skip to item 31, on the next page)
 I have not been contacted by the FAA (skip to item 37, on page 7)
30. How long did it actually take to receive a decision on your medical certification?
 2-10 days
 11-30 days
 31-90 days
 91 days or more
31. Did you have contact with a medical representative concerning issuance of your medical certificate at any of
the following FAA offices? [mark all that apply]
No contact

Phone

E-mail

Postal mail

Regional Medical Division/Regional Flight Surgeon Office ..........









Aerospace Medical Certification Division – Oklahoma City..........









Office of Aerospace Medicine – Washington, DC ........................









Note: Skip to item 37 if you answered ‘No contact’ for all three FAA offices in item 31.
32. What was the longest time that the FAA medical representative(s) told you it would take to receive a decision
on your medical certificate?
 Did not say
 2-10 days
 11-30 days
 31-90 days
 91 days or more
33. To what extent did the FAA medical representative(s) you had contact with…?
Not at
all

Limited
extent

Moderate
extent

Considerable
extent

Great
extent

N/A

clearly explain your responsibilities in the medical
certification process .....................................................













provide you with all the information you requested .....













provide information you requested in a timely
manner .........................................................................













provide you with accurate information .........................













treat you with courtesy and respect .............................













34. Overall how satisfied were you with the quality of services provided by the FAA medical representative(s)?
(required)
 Very dissatisfied
 Dissatisfied
 Neither (skip to item 36, on the next page)
 Satisfied (skip to item 36, on the next page)
 Very satisfied (skip to item 36, on the next page)

A7

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
35. Why were you dissatisfied with the quality of services provided by the FAA medical representative(s)?
[mark all that apply]
 Denied my medical certificate
 Not treated with courtesy and respect
 Not adequately informed of requirements for additional documentation
 Failed to explain requirements for additional documentation
 Not informed of status of application
 Poor communication on where application was in the review process
 Took too long to complete the review
 Other reason(s) (write in below)
Other reason(s) dissatisfied with quality of services provided by the FAA medical representative(s): _______________
______________________________________________________________________________________________

36. Based on your most recent experience with the FAA medical representative(s), to what extent does the FAA
airman medical certification process ensure the safety of the National Airspace System?
 Not at all
 Limited extent
 Moderate extent
 Considerable extent
 Great extent

37. What year was your most recent airman medical certification?
 2011
 2012
 2013
 2014

38. Which pilot certificate(s) do you currently hold? [mark all that apply]
 Student
 Sport
 Recreational
 Private
 Commercial
 Airline Transport

39. Which rating(s) do you currently hold? [mark all that apply]
 Do not hold any rating
 Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)
 Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
 Other

40. Are you currently employed as a pilot? (required)
 Not employed as a pilot (skip to item 42, on the next page)
 Part-time pilot
 Full-time pilot

A8

Based on your most recent application for airman medical certification:
41. Is your employment as a pilot with a certificated operator conducting flights under the following?
[mark all that apply]
 Part 61 (Sport pilot)
 Part 91 (Corporate)
 Part 121 (Flag, domestic, supplemental operations)
 Part 125 (Aircraft with 20 or more seats and cargo payload of 6,000 pounds or more when common carriage is not involved)
 Part 129 (Foreign air carrier & foreign operator of US-registered aircraft used in common carriage)
 Part 133 (Rotorcraft external loads)
 Part 135 (Commuter/On-demand operations)
 Part 137 (Agricultural operations)
 Part 141 (Pilot schools)
 Part 142 (Training centers)
 Other Part or Operation (write in below)
Other Part or Operation employing you as a pilot: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
42. Which region handled your most recent application for airman medical certification? (required)
 Alaskan (Alaska)
 Central (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska)
 Eastern (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia)
 Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, North, Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin)
 New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont)
 Northwest Mountain (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming)
 Southern (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee)
 Southwest (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas)
 Western-Pacific (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada)
43. Any additional feedback for the FAA, beyond what you have already provided, regarding airman medical
certification services? [mark all that apply]
 Recommendation for improvement
 Compliment
 Complaint
 General Comment
 Nothing more to add
Use the following boxes to provide additional feedback as marked above. [Note: Identifying information such as
names will be deleted from your comments. However, if the nature of your comment is specific to you, your
confidentiality cannot be assured. Comments are subject to the Freedom of Information Act.]
Recommendation for improvement(s):

Compliment(s):

A9

Complaint(s):

General Comment(s):

A10

Appendix B: 2012 and 2014 Comparable Survey Items
Differences in the Wording and Response Options

B1

Year

Item

Item Wording

Response Option Wording

2014

2

How many months ago did you submit your
application?

(1) 0-3 months
(2) 4-6 months
(3) 7-9 months
(4) 10-12 months
(5) 13 months or more

2012

2

How many months ago did you apply?

(1) 0-3 months
(2) 4-6 months
(3) 7-9 months
(4) 10-12 months
(5) 13 months or more

2014

3

How many miles did you travel one way for the
exam appointment with your aviation medical
examiner (AME)?

(1) 0-24 miles
(2) 25-50 miles
(3) 51-75 miles
(4) 76-100 miles
(5) 101 miles or more (explain below)

2012

3

How many miles did you travel one way for your
exam appointment?

(1) 0-24 miles
(2) 25-50 miles
(3) 51-75 miles
(4) 76-100 miles
(5) 101 miles or more (explain below)

2014

4

How many AMEs did you contact before
making your exam appointment?

(1) 1
(2) 2
(3) 3
(4) 4
(5) 5 or more

2012

4

How many AMEs did you contact before
scheduling your exam appointment?

(1) 1
(2) 2
(3) 3
(4) 4
(5) 5 or more

B2

Year

Item

Item Wording
What was the basis for selecting your
AME? [mark all that apply]

2014

5

2012

5

Why did you select the AME for your most
recent application for airman medical
certification? (Mark all that apply)

(1) Referred by flight instructor or school
(2) Referred by airline or AME employed
by airline
(3) Referred by pilot
(4) Referred by doctor or previous AME
(5) Performed my previous medical
certification exam(s)
(6) AME is my primary care doctor
(7) AME makes quick certification
decisions
(8) AME licensed to perform needed
service (Class I exam, special
issuance, etc.)
(9) Nearest location
(10) First available appointment
(11) Low cost
(12) Other reason (enter below)

2014

7

Did you use MedXPress to submit your
application? (required) (OMB Control No.
2120-0034)

(1) Yes
(2) No
(3) Do not remember

2012

7

Did you submit your medical history online
through MedXPress? (Required) (OMB Control
No. 2120-0034)

(1) Yes
(2) No
(3) Do not remember

B3

Response Option Wording
(1) Referred by flight instructor or school
(2) Referred by airline or AME employed
by airline
(3) Referred by pilot
(4) Referred by doctor or previous AME
(5) Performed my previous medical
certification exam(s)
(6) Is my primary care doctor
(7) Makes quick certification decisions
(8) Licensed to perform needed service
(Class I exam, special issuance,
etc.)
(9) Handles complex cases
(10) Nearest location
(11) Earliest available appointment
(12) Low cost
(13) Other reason(s) (enter below)

Year

Item

2014

15a

Item Wording
During your exam appointment, who…?
[mark all that apply]
(1) reviewed your medical history with you

2012

12

Who reviewed your medical history with you?
(Mark all that apply)

(1) No one reviewed my medical
history with me
(2) AME
(3) Another physician (not the AME)
(4) Physician’s Assistant
(5) Nurse
(6) Other office personnel

2014

15b

During your exam appointment, who…?
[mark all that apply]
(2) performed your physical exam

(1) No one
(2) AME
(3) Another physician (not the AME)
(4) Physician’s Assistant
(5) Nurse
(6) Other office personnel
(7) Do not remember

2012

13

Who performed your physical exam? (Mark all
that apply)

(1) No one performed a physical
exam
(2) AME
(3) Another physician (not the AME)
(4) Physician’s Assistant
(5) Nurse
(6) Other office personnel

2014

16.3

Did your AME...?
(3) have you remove or undo articles of clothing
for the exam?

(1) Yes
(2) No

2012

28

Did your AME...?
(28) have you remove or undo articles of
clothing for the examination?

(1) Yes
(2) No

2014

17.1

To what extent did your AME
(1) provide a professional setting for the medical
exam, including cleanliness and appearance?

(1) Not at all
(2) Limited extent
(3) Moderate extent
(4) Considerable extent
(5) Great extent

B4

Response Option Wording
(1) No one
(2) AME
(3) Another physician (not the AME)
(4) Physician’s Assistant
(5) Nurse
(6) Other office personnel
(7) Do not remember

Year

Item

Item Wording
To what extent did your AME
provide a professional setting for the medical
examination, including cleanliness and
appearance?

2012

20

2014

26

Which of the following best describes the
processing of your application for a medical
certification? (required)

(1) The AME required additional
information before issuing my
certificate
(2) The AME deferred my application
for review to the Regional Flight
Surgeon (RFS) or to the Aerospace
Medical Certification Division
(AMCD) in Oklahoma City

2012

17

Which of the following best describes the
processing of your application for a medical
certificate? (Required)

(1) The AME required additional
information before issuing my
certificate (e.g., a report from
another physician)
(2) The AME referred my application to
the Regional Flight Surgeon (RFS)
or to the Aerospace Medical
Certification Division (AMCD) in
Oklahoma City for review

2014

29

Which of the following best describes what
happened after the AME deferred your
application to the RFS or the AMCD in
Oklahoma City?

(1) No additional information was
requested from me before being
issued my certificate
(2) I had to supply additional
information, and then was issued
my certificate
(3) I have been contacted by the FAA
and my application is still under
review
(4) I was denied a medical certificate
(5) I have not been contacted by the
FAA

2012

18

Which of the following best describes what
happened once your application was referred
to the RFS or the AMCD in Oklahoma City?

(1) No additional information was
requested from me before my
certificate was issued
(2) I had to supply additional
information, and then my certificate
was issued
(3) My application is still under
review
(4) My application/certificate was
denied

B5

Response Option Wording
(1) Not at all
(2) Limited extent
(3) Moderate extent
(4) Considerable extent
(5) Great extent

Year

Item

Item Wording
Based on your most recent experience with the
FAA medical representative(s), to what extent
does the FAA airman medical certification
process ensure the safety of the National
Airspace System?

2014

36

2012

43

Based on your most recent experience with the
FAA medical representative(s), to what extent
does the FAA medical certification process
ensure the safety of the National Airspace
System?

(1) Not at all
(2) Limited extent
(3) Moderate extent
(4) Considerable extent
(5) Great extent

2014

38

Which pilot certificate(s) do you currently hold?
[mark all that apply]

(1) Student
(2) Sport
(3) Recreational
(4) Private
(5) Commercial
(6) Airline Transport

2012

44

What pilot certificates do you currently hold?
(Mark all that apply)

(1) Student pilot
(2) Recreational pilot
(3) Private pilot
(4) Commercial pilot
(5) Airline Transport pilot

2014

39

Which rating(s) do you currently hold? [mark
all that apply]

(1) Do not hold any rating
(2) Instrumental Flight Rules (IFR)
(3) Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
(4) Other

2012

45

What ratings do you currently hold? (Mark all
that apply)

(1) Do not hold any ratings
(2) Instrumental Flight Rules (IFR)
(3) Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

2014

40

Are you currently employed as a
pilot? (required)

(1) Not employed as a pilot
(2) Part-time pilot
(3) Full-time pilot

2012

46

How are you currently employed? (Required)

(1) Full-time pilot
(2) Part-time pilot
(3) Not employed as a pilot

B6

Response Option Wording
(1) Not at all
(2) Limited extent
(3) Moderate extent
(4) Considerable extent
(5) Great extent

Year

Item

2014

41

2012

47

Item Wording
Is your employment as a pilot with a
certificated operator conducting flights under
the following? [mark all that apply]

Are you employed as a pilot for a certificated
operator conducting flights under …? (Mark all
that apply)

B7

Response Option Wording
(1) Part 61 (Sport pilot)
(2) Part 91 (Corporate)
(3) Part 121 (Flag, domestic,
supplemental operations)
(4) Part 125 (Aircraft with 20 or more
seats and cargo payload of 6,000
pounds or more when common
carriage is not involved)
(5) Part 129 (Foreign air carrier &
foreign operator of US-registered
aircraft used in common carriage)
(6) Part 133 (Rotorcraft external loads)
(7) Part 135 (Commuter/On-demand
operations)
(8) Part 137 (Agricultural operations)
(9) Part 141 (Pilot schools)
(10) Part 142 (Training centers)
(11) Other Part or Operation (enter
below)
(1) Part 61 (Sport pilot)
(2) Part 91 (Corporate)
(3) Part 121 (Flag, domestic,
supplemental operations)
(4) Part 125 (Aircraft with 20 or more
seats and cargo payload of 6,000
pounds or more when common
carriage is not involved)
(5) Part 129 (Foreign air carrier &
foreign operator of US-registered
aircraft used in common carriage)
(6) Part 133 (Rotorcraft external loads)
(7) Part 135 (Commuter/On-demand
operations)
(8) Part 137 (Agricultural operations)
(9) Part 141 (Pilot schools)
(10) Part 142 (Training centers)
(11) Other Part or Operation (enter
below)

Year

Item

2014

42

Item Wording
Which region handled your most recent
application for airman medical certification?
(required)

2012

48

Which region handles your applications for
airman medical certification? (Required)

B8

Response Option Wording
(1) Alaskan (Alaska)
(2) Central (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri,
Nebraska)
(3) Eastern (Delaware, Maryland, New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, West Virginia)
(4) Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan, Minnesota, North, Dakota,
Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin)
(5) New England (Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island, Vermont)
(6) Northwest Mountain (Colorado,
Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah,
Washington, Wyoming)
(7) Southern (Alabama, Florida,
Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North
Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee)
(8) Southwest (Arkansas, Louisiana,
New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas)
(9) Western-Pacific (Arizona, California,
Hawaii, Nevada)
(1) Alaskan (Alaska)
(2) Central (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri,
Nebraska)
(3) Eastern (Delaware, Maryland, New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Virginia, West Virginia)
(4) Great Lakes (Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan, Minnesota, North, Dakota,
Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin)
(5) New England (Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island, Vermont)
(6) Northwest Mountain (Colorado,
Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah,
Washington, Wyoming)
(7) Southern (Alabama, Florida,
Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North
Carolina, South Carolina,
Tennessee)
(8) Southwest (Arkansas, Louisiana,
New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas)
(9) Western-Pacific (Arizona, California,
Hawaii, Nevada)