Serious question: Does your AME check your jewels during a 1st class medical?
Posted by Rusty_Banjo@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 193 comments
My regular AME wasn’t available for a 1st class this week so I found a different one in town that I’ve never used before. In almost 20 years of yearly medicals I’ve never been asked to drop trou. It wasn’t just a hernia check, he stated he needed to check my testicles. Just curious if this is common or if he was just going a little below and beyond.
Silent_Neck9930@reddit
Following this page I got to know that aviators and enthusiasts have a good sense of humor, now I am super excited and studying harder to crack those theory exams <3
Automatic-Second1346@reddit
Yep;
quesoqueso@reddit
Shoot, I got my butthole inspected thoroughly for a class 3. I did not go back to that guy.
ReconKiller050@reddit
Got me curious, but a good old anus inspection is on the list. Can't say I've ever had one even for a 1st class I'd be looking for a new AME if mine decided I need one.
flyboy520@reddit
Lmao. My AME just asks if I have one.
quesoqueso@reddit
yea my guy was closing in on an octogenarian, former naval flight surgeon type of guy.
Took his job VERY seriously. My class 3 medical took over an hour.
davihar@reddit
An ATP once told me about his medical exam and the doctor checked his prostate. He must have liked it because he said that he lost some, shall we say, hydraulic fluid. What he couldn’t figure out is how the doctor did the exam while holding both of his shoulders. Anyhow, that is almost word for word how the ATP described it.
davihar@reddit
BTW, I was a teenager and think I was being groomed.
DefendTheStar88x@reddit
This is a repost/stolen. I remember this exact post over the summer. Someone in the comments knew the doctor. It was south California
TweetGuyB@reddit
25 years ago by one AME and I NEVER went back to him
It’s not normal or required !
brink84@reddit
Mine took out test strips and i panicked and he said don't worry your not diabetic
SunnyCloud2@reddit
Wonder what they check on female pilots? Never heard of one not passing because of the testicle exam.
Av8tr1@reddit
LOL. My AME used to do that to me till I made a joke about how much I look forward to coming to see him and a girlfriend of mine in town because they both got to play with my junk. I think he didn’t recognize that I was joking, and he’s never done it since, which I’m totally good with.
PG67AW@reddit
Holy flair, Batman.
beepbeepimmmajeep@reddit
Someone is full of himself for sure haha
Lumpy-Salamander-519@reddit
Are u fr? Does this actually happen? I’ve never had this ever.
DarthSkier@reddit
My AME basically said if it’s taking longer than 10 minutes, you’re going to the wrong guy.
PG67AW@reddit
Please share lol. Always on the hunt for good AMEs.
DarthSkier@reddit
DM’d
Vincent-the-great@reddit
Bro went for a medical and left as a victim
Ron-Swanson-Mustache@reddit
Doc checked his prostate. Half way through he realized both of doc's hands were on his shoulders.
ArmadilloNo7637@reddit
I had one doc doing my prostate and he said, "Push back, I'm not doing all the work." So cheeky me said, "What, no dinner and a nice glass of wine first?" He laughed so much...
rjornd@reddit
From what I’ve heard, that’s the FA exam.
huffdaddy5517@reddit
My last medical which was three years ago now, (gotta re-up that) did it. Just a typical, like a sports physical check for cancer bumps or irregularities. If you were a new patient to that guy he’d probably prefer to check you then if using him for concurrent exams probably won’t is my guess
LxGNED@reddit
I got a first class medical for $75 and the doc called me a good boy 3 times
TwinkyUnicorn@reddit
Did he teach you any tricks while you were down on all fours?
LxGNED@reddit
Cough
Beavis_777_IAH@reddit
When they check your prostate, is it normal for the AME to have both hands on your shoulders?
Asking for a friend.
Figit090@reddit
When he put on the glove, honest to God my mind raced because I was unaware of what might be next and forgot about hernia checks.
WHEW.
ThatLooksRight@reddit
Moooooon River! You ever been to prison, Doc?
Fun-Estate-3775@reddit
LOL.. We had a funny doc in the military who had a rubber hand on a weird stick. He'd stick his finger in your ass and then put a hand on each shoulder.
It took me one huge jump and a snap of the head to figure it out. The whole squadron was in on the deal of course. Every young lieutenant got the treament.
walleyednj@reddit
Did he say, “Yep, that’s feels good to me!”?
gromm93@reddit
Yes, and I let him know that I felt the same way!
jnelson111@reddit
FUCK I just spit out my cereal
Figit090@reddit
1st class did a hernia check on me...
Rocketsponge@reddit
See, this is why you don't go to the supposed AME who operates in and also sells shrimp out of the back of his van. In the immortal words of George W. Bush, "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice? Well... we can't get fooled again."
Dogmanscott63@reddit
For numerous years, I saw a senior AME who did a very through physical. He told me it was because so many people don't go for regular physicals and he felt it was his duty to make sure we didn't have anything that might be headed south. Cancer screen, Prostate, fecal blood. I had/have insurance and have a lot.of things checked but still, it is a nice check in between.
kellay408@reddit
man my first class medical was a joke, the doctor did the same checks like he did for my third class
beachsand83@reddit
The first dude I got a medical from checked and even worse he didn’t wear any gloves. I felt violated but he already gave me an issue for something so I didn’t say anything. But I told others.
acidreducer@reddit
I will admit, my current ame made me drop trou on my very first visit.
He said, “it’s on the list and I don’t know if you’ve been sent here to check if I’m following my list. So I follow the list.”
Gone to him for a few years now and he’s never checked again.
Head_Visit849@reddit
bro got molested
SteadyMobbin0853@reddit
Have you ever seen a grown man naked?
Gutter_Snoop@reddit
Do you like movies about gladiators?
livebeta@reddit
Have you ever been to a Turkish prison?
ReadyplayerParzival1@reddit
Yea… I’m guessing it was an old guy. The ame said it was in the name of “hemroids”
Rusty_Banjo@reddit (OP)
You hit the nail on the head…old timer probably 75+
sunny5222@reddit
Are you in SoCal?
Grumbles19312@reddit
Hahahaha I know exactly who you’re thinking it is. I can’t believe the guy is still doing medicals, he’s so old he gets out of breath walking from one side of the room to the other. I’m currently on the hunt for another AME in the valley because I don’t want to drive to Orange County for my medical.
TigerpilotKFUL@reddit
Not the valley but John Phillipp in Glendora is the shit. I can’t recommend him enough
TigerpilotKFUL@reddit
My buddy goes to an old timer. Checks his balls every time. My old timer I go to wants nothing to do with mine.
beech017@reddit
There was an AME in my area, who has since passed away, that was OBSESSED with testicular cancer. I went to him once, and the majority of the time was spent checking for testicular cancer, and then showing me how to check for testicular cancer. Super nice guy but a really uncomfortable 1st Class.
ReadyplayerParzival1@reddit
I go to a guy like that. He’s great for dealing with any questions or little issues that pop up but I’m guessing his 1st class is only 50$ because of how creepy he is…
InPlainSightSC2@reddit
If you're getting hemorrhoids on your balls, something has seriously gone wrong lol
CluelessPilot1971@reddit
AME boldly went where no man has gone before.
Frosty-Brain-2199@reddit
Just wait until you have to do the oral exam
Ok-Cryptographer7080@reddit
Oral exam is done on your knees.
the_doctor_808@reddit
6 hours on your knees sounds tiring
rjornd@reddit
Isn’t that what knee pads are for?
livebeta@reddit
That's strange cos all I used were knee boards
Ok-Cryptographer7080@reddit
Well, how bad do you want to fly?
KBC@reddit
My favorite part of a checkride.
ValiantBear@reddit
Ya, really puts the "ride" in "checkride"
time_adc@reddit
My AME checked my eyes and heart, then asked "is everything else working ok?". No dick exam.
Basic Med Form 8700 section 3, item 9 requires anus exam.
Some of the old timers at the airport told me they switched over to Basic Med. I asked if their doctors were checking their butt. They all said no.
https://www.faa.gov/documentlibrary/media/form/faa_form_8700-2.pdf
richardizard@reddit
Why do they need to check testicles? "Sorry son, your balls are too heavy to fly."
Holla_fora_Dolla@reddit
As a woman, I had one AME ask me to dress down to a gown... and he required women to bring a chaperone... Yeah I never went back there.
Flightyler@reddit
My AME used to do that… super old guy like definitely in his 80s. The last time I went to him his pants fell down when he walked in the room and the nurse had to tell him… he goes “well hopefully that’s the first time I doctor took off his pants for you”. I have a different AME now.
BigC-408@reddit
Yes. My last two AME’s in the past 30 years have both made me drop my undies ad made me cough.
falcopilot@reddit
"Now you check mine..."
BillySpacs@reddit
That got me 15% off on my last medical
BosoxH60@reddit
I got all the way off.
falcopilot@reddit
Well, $20 is $20, amiright?
AGroAllDay@reddit
Wait. You guys are paying? Mine keeps offering me free physicals whenever I drop my pants. That’s normal, right?
zookeepier@reddit
Serious answer: When I got my 3rd class, he looked at my butthole. No idea why. He said he had to according the checklist. But it was like a 2 second glance. I have no idea why he wanted to look at it. He did tell me before he did it and seemed apologetic, but didn't say what the purpose of it was for.
longlive737@reddit
It’s optional, but anus check is on the list.
zookeepier@reddit
TIL. I still have no idea why they would need to. What could that possibly have to do with my ability to fly?
da_av@reddit
I have never had that experience from 5 AMEs (1st, and and 3rdr class), but an instructor of mine said he had an AME in the same area do that.
xHangfirex@reddit
Some doctors are going to do certain things on every physical, regardless what the physical is for. He could end up saving someone's life. Quit complainin, some guys pay good money for that.
Imperial_Citizen_00@reddit
The only skin they saw was my chest to hook up the EKG
Kycrio@reddit
God, I hope those weirdly invasive AMEs (who are predominantly male) know there's no way in hell they'll get female patients to do an impromptu vaginal or breast exam, I'd spit in their face for just asking
FrangibleFitting@reddit
There are plenty of women pilots who have been subjected to breast 'exams' before they knew better. Or made to strip completely. :/
Thankfully, the internet has let us share those stories, as well as the knowledge that it's unnecessary under nearly all circumstances.
dbhyslop@reddit
There was once a post in this sub from a young woman asking if it’s normal for an AME to require a pelvic.
Druxurbist@reddit
Used to, not anymore
DingbatDarrel@reddit
1st did not 2nd did. 1st retired. 2nd did again
MilesofRose@reddit
That's a discovery flight.
AWACS_Bandog@reddit
I've heard tell of an AME doing Prostate exams so...
120SR@reddit
Do y’all not have to spread your cheeks either?
Jacsox@reddit
You joke but…. The first medical after my 90 year old ex fighter pilot total bro of an AME retired, I went to a new guy who spent 30 minutes talking about various cancers and how flying professionally was a bad idea because of radiation, a solid 15 minutes of that time was focused on ass cancer and he legit asked me to bend over and spread them so he could do an inspection. I thankfully had enough medicals to know better and asked why, and what in my medical history would make him think that’s a needed inspection. He went off about ass cancer again and I told him no. Called and wrote the Oklahoma City people a letter about it but from what I hear he’s still trying to peep at as many buttholes as possible.
120SR@reddit
Hahahahahahah
Own-Ice5231@reddit
“Thermometer goes where?”
PhilRubdiez@reddit
First doctor did it. Second didn’t. Third did. Fourth didn’t.
I’d say it’s 50%, depending on how thorough your guy is. The second and fourth guy I’ve used are super quick. Eye chart, ears, stethoscope, feel Amy stomach, “anything to report?,” and done.
Typical-Apartment-61@reddit
Wait let me check your math!
2 out of 4 did it. That's 2 over 4. 2/4.
2/4...pulls out calculator...=0.5 which is 50%.
Ok good yeah I got the same thing...50%.
captmac@reddit
This guy maths.
MichaelOfShannon@reddit
I need to find me a chill AME.
Ok-Debt-6223@reddit
That is literally all he looks at. Actually everyone in his office lines up to bat them around and/or get their photograph taken next to them.
voretaq7@reddit
TECHNICALLY? It’s on the list (GU system).
Practically? Even the FAA says don’t bother unless there’s prior medical history warranting it.
LeftOffDeepEnd@reddit
Only if I pay him for the 1st Class Plus exam.
2oreos-1Twinkie@reddit
Yea don’t bring your juul that day no smoking allowed at AMEs
garethrory@reddit
I thought a proper ‘gear swing’ was part of the role playing.
LoungeFlyZ@reddit
Could be worse. "Anus" is on the checklist for BasicMed.
TauntingTugboat@reddit
I usually only get a heavy C check every 24 months.
ELON_WHO@reddit
Honestly, I’d appreciate it. More medical services for the money is fine by me- not trying to die of easily treatable cancers.
IncreaseOk8433@reddit
*Finds out AME was off that day and a psychiatric outpatient performed the medical.
noguybuytry@reddit
I got a length and girth measurement that was reported to the local FSDO database. Didn't everyone else?
2009impala@reddit
Never once have mine been inspected, are you sure that guy was actually an AME?
flyengineer@reddit
Alternatively, the AME is Amelia Bedelia.
Pre-flight checklist says “inspect the undercarriage”.
Daniel_Vandiviere@reddit
mine asked if i wanted him to check. he asked if there’s any lumps or bumps. i said i have a pretty good idea of what’s down there and he said okay lmao i trust you
Zakaree@reddit
My guy literally asked a couple questions.. took my blood pressure and bobs your uncle
Tough-Choice@reddit
This happened one time to me. He said the FAA required him to “verify the sex.” Fucking creep - never went back.
RamenSchmoodle@reddit
does this guy happen to reside in the Bay Area? If so it’s common
InGeorgeWeTrust_@reddit
Never taken my pants off for an AME.
Some go above and beyond and to a normal checkup but hey, nothing like a good ol fondlin to make you feel good about yourself.
anywho123@reddit
“Now that’s a good looking dick”
Ok-Sand-8503@reddit
No, my nuts have never been touched or even observed by an AME.
anywho123@reddit
That might have been the saddest thing I’ve read all night. I’m sorry man, maybe next time.
smoothbrainape1234@reddit
You need a better AME then. Missing out
gromm93@reddit
Dear God man! How does your propeller even stay on!
MultiGeek42@reddit
In Canada thats our old term for an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
Gotta get your B and C check.
DisregardLogan@reddit
Brother you got touched
Boeinggoing737@reddit
So testicular cancer is a very real thing so maybe he was just doing that as a screening type thing. I have been getting medicals from 5 different ame’s over 30 yrs and never had anyone check for that but normally they push on the abdomen and check for hernias, stethoscope front and back rib cage, reflexes with baby thors hammer on the knee caps, a touch your toes, close your eyes touch your nose, the eye exam, and a bp check and you sign the form. Some ame’s give astronaut physicals and that isn’t what you want as you get older.
WoodDragonIT@reddit
My 1st class consisted of, can you read this? And this? And this? Check blood pressure. Good. Please squat, touch the floor, and stand back up without assistance. And hold a short conversation with the doctor looking away.
flyingforfun3@reddit
Damn. You gave him the Missy Elliott..
Is it worth it? Let me work it I put my thing down, flip it and reverse it
PWJT8D@reddit
LMAOOO
RaiseTheDed@reddit
My first guy did. Then again, he also said I should be checking and showed me how, so I don't end up like that one bicyclist. Also checked for hernia (look to the left and cough). Also checked a bunch of other things, like my eye blind spots. When I upgraded to a first class he didn't do nearly as much. Then when I went to a different guy it was pretty much just pee in the cup, eye chart, ishihara, get out of here.
PWJT8D@reddit
If your guy is checking your brown eye then you are going to the wrong guy lmao I have NEVER heard of that ever from any AME
cbph@reddit
That's just the first 5 minutes.
The other 25 minutes (or 20 every other visit when an EKG is required) is just BS'ing about flying and airplanes until his next applicant shows up.
iLOVEr3dit@reddit
Im actually curious about this. When I first started flying in 2016, my first 2 medical did this. Then I took a few years off because life. I've probably had 5 more medical since being back (have to do special issuance) and they no longer seem to check my balls
TheHockeyPilot@reddit
Got my nuts tingled for my Cat. 1 medical in Canada
taint_tattoo@reddit
Genital exam is not required unless indicated by past medical history (PMH) or symptoms (e.g., masses or areas of tenderness). It may be performed at the discretion of the examiner and applicant.
Source: https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/app_process/exam_tech
RunningPirate@reddit
It takes balls to fly, son. Now, get ‘em out.
Real-Cartographer881@reddit
Oh boy, looks like I may have been molested as well..
Mobe-E-Duck@reddit
1 did. I don’t go to him anymore. Same guy insisted I go to his cardiologist friend and pay cash. I don’t go to him either.
CASAdriver@reddit
This reminds me of the scene in Friends when Joey's tailor is measuring Chandler for pants.
No that's not normal, nor required
dodexahedron@reddit
Exactly my first thought to.
"That's how they do pants!"
JimTheJerseyGuy@reddit
“Yes. That is how they do pants. IN PRISON!”
_doc_daneeka@reddit
This reminds me of the Family Guy episode where Peter gets a prostate exam and then goes around telling everyone he was raped.
JarlWeaslesnoot@reddit
He's a good man, and thorough.
odins_gungnir@reddit
Came here looking for this…
VeggieMeatTM@reddit
That's thoughtful, but...
LonguesSurMer@reddit
“Have you ever seen a grown man naked?”
highflyer10123@reddit
If you pull up the application for a medical/basicmed. I dont mean the questionaire part that you fill in on medxpress. I mean the actual PDF that it populates on to. There are actually sections that the AME must fill out. I believe an anus exam is on there. I dont think i've seen testicles on there before though...
dodexahedron@reddit
Clearly, you must have asked for the "full service" option.
Fun-Estate-3775@reddit
Did he offer you a glass of wine first??
Never had this happen in the last 35 years for a civilian class 1. Once, when I was a young studly fighter pilot the female flight surgeon got on her knees in front of me and... well... It was kinda like she was weighing the whole package with her hands. Which were luckily freezing cold... Her breath though wasn't and I'll stop there... Just for brevity...
It was quite a shock.
falcopilot@reddit
OK but seriously... I guess yes?
https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/app_process/exam_tech/item38/amd/conditions/hernia
Philly514@reddit
Definitely not in Canada. Maybe the US version has molestation built in so when you get fucked by the airlines you’re used to it?
Alternate947@reddit
The last guy I went to had me up on a table sideways making sure I had full range of motion in all my limbs. The current guy I go to just asks me if I’m pooping ok and then signs me off.
So yeah there’s a range.
Derpicusss@reddit
I had that happen. Is that not supposed to happen? Do I need to call somebody? Lol
Lumpy-Salamander-519@reddit
I mean I never have? I’m so confused if people are serious about this happening to them…?
Derpicusss@reddit
Dead serious. Was my very first medical (1st class) and he told me to drop trou and cough into the corner. It was my first so I didn’t know what was standard or not. The only other medical I’ve done since was for a 2nd class and that AME didn’t do it, but I assumed since it was a 2nd instead of 1st class it was different procedures. Haven’t questioned it until seeing this thread lmao
jpstetson151@reddit
Mine didn't, even though I disclosed I had hernia surgery 10 years ago. Honestly, The DOT physical for my CDL was more invasive.
wu-wu-wu@reddit
Sounds pretty standard. A lot of the senior captains I fly with do that at the start of the trip too. Feels better to get a second hand opinion on ensuring I’m fit for duty when I sign my release.
Ok-Acadia-2673@reddit
Amen.
PutOptions@reddit
Man, a perfectly good 2x IPA out the nose on that one. Keyboard may be marginal tomorrow.
No where else to put this, but this "Senior" shit needs to just stop. After showering at the gym, wrap a fucking towel over your junk please while blow drying both hairs on your head.
TobyADev@reddit
Really?
Tall_Sherbert7375@reddit
/facepalm
Bernard-beejeezJinky@reddit
Yea she fondled mine when I received my first class
PreviousMain9109@reddit
Mine did for 3rd class!! Looks fishy now.
chuckop@reddit
It was always drop the pants, turn and cough. Nothing more. But that stopped when I switched AMEs.
Aerodynamic_Soda_Can@reddit
No, but unless he offered a pretty substantial discount.
What...? Don't judge me, everyone has their price!
Lumpy-Salamander-519@reddit
I hope to god this is a joke😂😂 if not please call the FAA or Police before some 17 year old kid goes in there🫡
ericfromspringfield@reddit
Wait until the pilot won’t land the plane until you “turn good” when you cough.
Zargothrax@reddit
Edward Shore checked out my dong
VillageIdiotsAgent@reddit
Mine checks for hernia, I have been to one that checked my testicles.
I asked him if that’s part of the medical and my previous docs had been skipping it. He said it’s not, but he’s pretty sure most of his pilots don’t get regular checkups, so if he can catch it and save someone some hassle onto and including death, it’s worth doing. Can’t argue too much with him there.
flyboy520@reddit
One did. Right after she looked back at her nurses and told them her date was here. Never went back to her.
dirtracer6131@reddit
Can anyone recommend a good AME in Los Angeles? The one I used last time for my 3rd class did the testicle check too
4wwn4h@reddit
I had one doc do it once in 25 years of flying. Never went back to him.
prex10@reddit
Of the 6 different AMEs I have seen only one has made me do it.
DogeLikestheStock@reddit
She told me that was extra.
SmithKenichi@reddit
Yep get used to it. You have a whole career of Part 135/121 mid-shift physicals where your boss checks em too. Right guys?
usd2bfast@reddit
https://www.faa.gov/ame_guide/app_process/exam_tech/item41/et
dieseltaco@reddit
o shitttt
VanDenBroeck@reddit
That usually costs more.
TobyADev@reddit
My medical, my AME was incredibly clear: “I’m going to check for hernias but going no where near your testicles”
China_bot42069@reddit
Yup happened to me. Fucking weird. Alotnof fellow pylons thing I got abused
flyingforfun3@reddit
Just wait till the first prostate exam where you hear, “look no hands!” /s
I feel like all the AMEs I’ve ever used are slightly different. I’ve only had one check the berries, but over the underwear only.
DatBeigeBoy@reddit
Yeah no bud, that’s not normal.
MonsieurBon@reddit
Got a hernia check from the 65 year old AME for my 3rd class. He wore gloves at least.
Switched to BasicMed at some point and my going through the checklist my new, younger doc, was like "uh, I really don't see what 'genitourinary function' has to do with flying a plane, so just tell me it's all good down there and we'll move on."
clyde112@reddit
Yes, that's how they do it....in prison!
Dazzling-Living-3161@reddit
I’m a woman but the only thing I needed to adjust clothes for was the ekg. Definitely a pants on experience.
LeftClosedTraffic@reddit
Bro IS the victim
pliiplii2@reddit
In Canada it’s apparently on the AME guide however it’s not a requirement. Had a friend who also got his balls touched.
drowninginidiots@reddit
I had one that did for 2nd class. He was a new AME and went above and beyond. Others haven’t. My current one takes maybe 10 minutes total for the whole thing. He’s a bit pricy but the lack of bs and stress with him is worth it.
Rude-Algae-4976@reddit
Past AME and current AME checked for hernias. Past one also screened for testicular cancer. Might’ve been his soapbox item since I also did DOT physicals with the same guy and checked for both even then.
Feisty_Apartment_153@reddit
Hahaha.
Sounds like my tailor. He’s the best. Quite thorough. He double checks my inseam every time I get shirts taken in
mctomtom@reddit
Never, 😂
SecretPersonality178@reddit
Mine just called me ugly and signed it so i would leave…
FridayMcNight@reddit
Shore?
KehreAzerith@reddit
At least he didn't ask for a prostate exam
OnToNextStage@reddit
Oh my god
The first AME I went to did
I got recommended another local one in my city and he never did
Never going back to the first one
RevolutionaryWear952@reddit
Every time. Keeps you coming back.
Mr-Plop@reddit
I'm sorrg OP, I had to :)
f1racer328@reddit
Nope.
freedomflyer12@reddit
Yup and same doc wanted to see the other side too
Samtulp6@reddit
I would have cancelled the appointment on the spot.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
My regular AME wasn’t available for a 1st class this week so I found a different one in town that I’ve never used before. In almost 20 years of yearly medicals I’ve never been asked to drop trou. It wasn’t just a hernia check, he stated he needed to check my testicles. Just curious if this is common or if he was just going a little below and beyond.
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