Pilot Medical Certification Questions and Answers

What class of medical certificate must I hold and how long is it valid?

• A first-class airman medical certificate is required to exercise the privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate.

  A first class medical certificate is valid for the remainder of the month of issue; plus

  • 6 calendar months for operations requiring a first class medical certificate if the airman is age 40 or over on or before the date of the examination, or
  • 12-calendar months for operations requiring a first-class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination, or
  • 12 calendar months for operations requiring a second class medical certificate, or
  • 24 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate if the airman is age 40 or over on or before the date of the examination, or
  • 60 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination. *

• A second-class airman medical certificate is required for commercial, non-airline duties (e.g., for crop dusters, corporate pilots) and is valid for 1 year plus the remainder of the days in the month of examination. Those exercising the privileges of a flight engineer certificate, a flight navigator certificate, or acting as air traffic control tower operator must hold a second-class airman medical certificate.

  A second class medical certificate is valid for the remainder of the month of issue; plus

  • 12 calendar months for operations requiring a second class medical certificate, or
  • 24 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate, if the airman is age 40 or over on or before the date of the examination, or
  • 60 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination. *

• A third-class airman medical certificate is required to exercise the privileges of a private pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, a flight instructor certificate, or a student pilot certificate.

  A third-class medical certificate is valid for the remainder of the month of issue; plus

  • 24 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate, if the airman is age 40 or over on or before the date of the examination, or
  • 60 calendar months for operations requiring a third class medical certificate if the airman has not reached age 40 on or before the date of examination. *