What is the primary duty of an aviation medical examiner during the certification process?

The primary duty of an aviation medical examiner during the certification process is to determine fitness for flying based on health assessments. This role is crucial because the safety of flight operations heavily relies on the physical and mental health of pilots. The aviation medical examiner conducts thorough evaluations, which may include medical history reviews, physical examinations, and necessary medical tests, to ensure that pilots meet the specific health standards set by aviation authorities. This ensures that pilots do not have any medical conditions that could impair their ability to operate an aircraft safely.

While assisting pilots with lifestyle choices, conducting flight training, and evaluating the safety of specific flights are important aspects of aviation safety, they are not the primary responsibilities of the aviation medical examiner in the context of pilot certification. The focus of the medical examiner is specifically on the health aspects that affect a pilot's ability to fly, which is why determining fitness for flying is central to their role.