After 40 years of medical practice, Fred Costales, M.D., retired in April 2007. He was the most experienced aviation medical examiner on the West Coast. As an experience pilot, Fred will be missed by his many pilot friends and patients.

William E. Straw, M.D., became a medical examiner in 2000 and a senior medical examiner in 2002. He was fortunate to be able to be mentored by Dr. Costales.

Dr. Straw is authorized to certify pilots for class 1, 2 and 3 licenses. He has extensive experience in obtaining medical certification for pilots with a variety of medical problems.

Los Altos Center
370 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022-1442
Main phone: 650-254-5200
Map | Directions

By Appointment: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PLEASE ARRIVE 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT TO COMPLETE FAA FORMS.

The Department of Aviation Medicine offers FAA medical exams for medical certification for all classes of pilots.

PAMF is one of the largest and most experienced medical clinics to offer Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certification. The mission of PAMF's Department of Aviation Medicine is ensure the health and fitness of pilots and to assist pilots in any way possible to obtain certification.

FAA Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) are the link between pilots and the FAA.

Dr. Straw continues to provide FAA examinations for many airlines and continues to provide services for the Japan Air Lines training center in Napa.