Medical certificates are designated as first-class, second-class, or third-class. Generally, first-class is designed for the airline transport pilot; second-class for the commercial pilot; and third-class for the student, recreational and private pilot.
What is 1st 2nd and 3rd class FAA medical?
Third-class, although any class will suffice. Medical certificates are designated as first-class, second-class, or third-class. Generally, first-class is designed for the airline transport pilot; second-class for the commercial pilot; and third-class for the student, recreational and private pilot.
How long is the FAA third class medical valid for?
This rule extends the duration of both first and third class medicals for individuals under the age of 40. The FAA extended the duration of first-class medical certificate to one year, for pilots under the age of 40. The FAA extended the duration of third-class medical certificates to five years for pilots under the age of 40.
What are the medical requirements for third class?
- Angina pectoris
- Bipolar disease
- Cardiac valve replacement
- Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant
- Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications
- Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory explanation of the cause
- Epilepsy
- Heart replacement
- Myocardial infarction
What to expect from a FAA medical exam?
You can also expect to undergo a urinalysis (to look for signs of disease), a blood pressure check, and a few questions on mental health. If you’re having a first-class exam, you’ll need an electrocardiogram to check the health of your heart. Other parts of the medical exam are determined by your personal health history.
What is a third class FAA medical?
A Third class medical certificate is appropriate for student pilots, recreational pilots, and private pilots who fly for pleasure or personal business (but not for hire). A third class medical is valid for 60 months for pilots under age 40, and 24 months for applicants who are age 40 or older.
What is a medical class 2 pilot?
Class 2 medical certificates are for commercial, non-airline pilot-in-command duties as well as private pilot duties. This certificate would be required of crop dusters, charter pilots, corporate pilots, airline first officers and anyone else who flies commercially.
What is the difference between a first and second-class medical?
A first class medical is required to exercise the privileges of an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP); a second-class medical is required to fly as a commercial pilot (this certificate allows a person to receive compensation to fly); and a third-class medical is required to fly as a private pilot.
What is a 1st class FAA medical?
The first-class medical is the highest class of medical available and is required for: An airline pilot exercising pilot-in-command privileges of their airline transport pilot certificate. A pilot serving as a required flightcrew member in the airlines that has reached his or her 60th birthday.
What does a Class 2 medical consist of?
At the Class 2 medical, one of our AMEs will review your medical history and will perform a medical examination to check that everything is functioning correctly. The examination will cover areas such as vision, hearing, lungs, heart, blood pressure, stomach, limbs and nervous system.
How long is a 1st class FAA medical good for?
12 monthsThe first class medical is valid for 12 months for operations requiring an ATP certificate. If the date of the pilot's medical exam occurred before his/her 40th birthday the first class medical is valid for one year.
What is the difference between 1st 2nd and 3rd class medical?
The First Class Medical is aimed at the Airline Transport Pilots, Second Class is for Commercial Pilots & Third Class is for Student, Private & Recreational Pilots.
What does a Class 1 medical consist of?
You can expect the medical examination to take up to four hours, and it examines your medical history, eyesight, general physical check, hearing, heart rhythm, lung function, as well as including blood and urine tests. A medical certificate is issued on the same day if all required standards are met.
How long is a FAA Class 2 medical good for?
Second-class medicals are valid for two years for pilots exercising commercial pilot privileges. For others (private or recreational pilot or flight instructor), a second-class medical is valid for five years if under age 40, and two years if over age 40.
How do I get a Class 1 medical?
You will need to complete the application form through your Cellma record and complete the payment before your AME will be able to undertake your medical examination. This will include the following: Facts about your medical history. Whether you have had a medical examination before, by whom and the result.
What is a Class 4 medical certificate?
The category for Class III medical certificate holders includes Traffic Controllers, and Class IV medical certificate holders include a range of recreational pilots (e.g. Micro-lights, Air Balloons). The table below indicate the different classes of medical certificate requirement.
How long is a second class medical good for under 40?
Second Class Rules (Commercial Pilots)Age on Date of Second Class Medical Exam:Then your flight physical expires, for that operation, at the end of the last day of the:(ii) Under age 4060th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the medical certificate.2 more rows
When Do I Need A Medical Certificate?
You need a medical certificate before flying solo in an airplane, helicopter, gyroplane, or airship. We suggest you get your medical certificate be...
If Required, How Do I Get A Medical Certificate?
By passing a physical examination administered by a doctor who is an FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner.
Where Do I Get My Medical Certificate?
From any FAA-authorized aviation medical examiner. There are approximately 6,000 of them in the U.S.
Where Can I Get A List of Faa-Authorized Aviation Medical Examiners?
The FAA publishes a directory that lists them by name and address. You can get a copy from any FAA Flight Standards District Office, air traffic co...
When Required, What Class of Medical Certificate Must A Student Pilot have?
Third-class, although any class will suffice. Medical certificates are designated as first-class, second-class, or third-class. Generally, first-cl...
If I Have A Physical Disability, Can I Get A Medical Certificate?
Yes. Medical certificates can be issued in many cases where physical disabilities are involved. Depending on the nature of the disability, you may...
How long does a third class medical last?
Third Class Medical lasts 24 months. Non renewed first class medicals revert to second class privileges for an additional 6 months, then to third class privileges for an additional 6 months. It’s important for you to know that only an aviation medical examiner can issue you a medical certificate.
How many passengers can you carry on a 3rd class plane?
Basic med exercises the same privileges as a third class medical, but let’s take a look at some of its limitations. You can only carry five passengers. It’s important to note that the plane has to be designed to have five passenger seats.
What medical do you need to be a private pilot?
For example, if your goal is just to be a private pilot, you’ll only need a minimum of a third-class medical to exercise the privileges of a private pilot. However, if your goal is to be a commercial pilot, you’ll need at least a second-class medical.
Do you need a medical to fly?
Even though you only need a third-class medical to start your flight training, if your ultimate goal is to get an ATP certificate, it is highly recommended that you get a first-class medical before you start flight training just make sure that you’re qualified to get one.
What is an FAA Medical Certificate?
An FAA airman medical certificate is “acceptable evidence of physical fitness on a form prescribed by the Administrator.” It’s an official document issued by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to demonstrate that you meet the appropriate medical standards to exercise the privileges of your pilot certificate.
Do Pilots Need a Medical Certificate?
The FAA requires most pilots to have their medical certificate on their person or in the aircraft. Here’s a list of the types of airmen required to hold a medical certificate:
Getting Your FAA Airman Medical Certificate
In the United States, you must follow these steps to get your FAA medical certificate:
What Happens in an FAA Pilot Medical Exam?
First, you need to find an FAA AME and book an appointment. You may ask fellow pilots or flight instructors for recommendations, or you could use the FAA’s “Find an Aviation Medical Examiner” portal to locate an AME.
Medical Exam Cost
The FAA doesn’t publish a fixed examination fee, instead, it recommends that the fee should be usual and customary. The cost varies depending on the examiner, location, and class of medical certificate. Most AMEs charge $75 to $150 per exam, and a first-class medical examination can cost up to $200.
Medical Exam Outcomes
Your AME may issue, defer, or deny your application for a medical certificate:
Medical Exam Tips
Here are a few tips to get you through your medical examination seamlessly:
How often is FAA 3rd class exam due?
Even if you are on a special issuance time-limited certificate, the FAA third class medical exam is still due only every 24-calendar months, or 60 months if you're under age 40. E-mail is a valuable communication tool at AOPA. When you send an email, please include your name and AOPA number.
How long is a second class medical valid?
The Second class medical is valid for commercial privileges for 12 months. A Third class medical certificate is appropriate for student pilots, recreational pilots, and private pilots who fly for pleasure or personal business (but not for hire).
What is subpart A?
Subpart A is general information, including certification of foreign airmen and an important authorization for access to the National Driver Register. Subparts B, C, and D include the minimum medical standards that must be met for first, second, and third class medical certificates.
What is FAR 61.53?
Perhaps one of the most important operational regulations in the Federal Aviation Regulations, FAR 61.53 sets forth the legality and appropriateness of exercising pilot privileges when there is a known medical condition that could be considered disqualifying under FAA Part 67 Medical Standards.
What is the FAA's office of aerospace medicine?
The FAA's Office of Aerospace Medicine regulates, among other things, airman medical certification standards. That includes structuring certification policies and processes to reflect current medical advancements. Despite the government's efforts to streamline the review process and speed the issuance of medical certificates, ...
Which FAA certification is the most progressive?
Those delays notwithstanding, the U.S. FAA has the most progressive civil aviation medical certification standards in the world. The Airman Medical Standards and Certification Procedures, FAR Part 67, is a maze of medical and legal language that is, in some respects, clear and concise, and, in others, very general and vague.
Where to report adverse changes in medical condition?
You must promptly report any adverse changes in your medical condition to the FAA Medical Appeals Branch, AAM 320. Because your medical is at the discretion of the Federal Air Surgeon, there is an implied “automatic invalidation” of the authorization if you have an “adverse” change in your medical condition.
How long is a third class medical certificate good for?
How Long is a Third-Class Medical Certificate Valid For? A third-class certificate is good for 60 months if a pilot is aged 40 or under. If over 40, the certificate is valid for 24 months.
What happens if you fail an alternate test?
If you fail an alternate test, you can take an operational color vision test (OCVT) that involves a signal light test and a practical test. If you pass, a 3rd Class Letter of Evidence will be issued that lifts restrictions but may make you ineligible for any medical certificate that is higher than third-class.
What are the medical conditions that are considered disqualifying?
Besides substance use and dependence, and the mental health conditions listed above, medical disqualifying conditions include: Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant. Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory explanation of the cause.
Can you have a throat problem while flying?
You must not suffer from any ear, nose, or throat condition that interferes with, or could be aggravated by flying, including the interference of clear communication, or is manifested by vertigo or a disturbance of equilibrium

Medical Classes
- You might be wondering which class of medical you might need. The answer to this all depends on what your aviation goals are. For example, if your goal is just to be a private pilot, you’ll only need a minimum of a third-class medical to exercise the privileges of a private pilot. However, if your goal is to be a commercial pilot, you’ll need at least a second-class medical. And finally, if y…
How Long Do Privileges Last? – For Those Under 40 Years Old
- Let’s start by talking about how long these privileges last, which depends on your age. If you’re under 40 years old and you start with a first-class medical, the privileges of that will last for 12 calendar months. If you start with a second-class medical the privileges of that will also last for 12 calendar months. Finally, if you start with a third-class medical, these privileges will last for 6…
How Long Do Privileges Last? – For Those Over 40 Years Old
- Now, let’s talk about how long your privileges will last if you’re over 40. If you start with first class medical your privileges will last for six calendar months. With a second class medical, it’ll be 12 calendar months, and if you start with the third class medical, it’ll be for 24 calendar months. If you’re over 40 and your first-class medical ...
Basic Med
- One more topic I’d like to discuss is basic med. Basic med is a way for general aviation pilots to keep flying without renewing their third class medical. Basic med comes with its own set of privileges and limitations. Let’s start by talking about what you need in order to obtain a basic med certificate. The first thing is that you need to have had a medical after July 15, 2006. This medic…