What is an FAA Medical?

All pilots regardless of certificate type must meet certain medical requirements to act as the PIC (Pilot-in-Command) of an aircraft. These FAA Airman Medical Certificates, most commonly called a "medical," are issued by an Airman Medical Examiner (AME). An AME can be found by using the FAA's AME Locator tool.

Types of FAA Medical Certificates

There are three different types of medical certificates that a pilot may be issued. The type of medical that is issued to a pilot is largely based on the type of flying the pilot anticipates conducting. As an example, an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) must meet the strictest medical requirements. This means that they require a first-class medical certificate. Whereas a Private Pilot who will only fly for sport or hobby will have a less restrictive medical requirements. This means that only a third-class medical is required. For reference, or more information, see CFR 14 §67.

First-Class Medicals

If your aspirations are to work for the airlines someday, then the first-class medical is the one for you. Ensuring you can obtain and maintain a first-class medical certificate before beginning the path to become a career pilot is recommended. This will set you up for the best success in your career and help you meet your goal. The first-class medical is the highest class, and the most restrictive of FAA Medical Certificates. This certificate is needed for:

• an airline pilot to act as Pilot-in-Command using their Airline Transport Pilot certificate
• an airline pilot to act as second-in-command at the airlines in an airplane that requires two or more pilots

First-class medical certificate privileges are valid for 12 calendar months if the applicant is younger than 40 years old at the time of issuance. If the applicant is over the age of 40, then the privileges are valid for 6 calendar months. For reference, or more information, see CFR 14 §67 Subpart B.

Second-Class Medicals

A second-class medical is required for commercial operations such as:

• drop dusting
• carrying passengers or cargo for hire (not at a scheduled airline)

Second-class medical certificate privileges are valid for 12 calendar months if the applicant is younger than 40 years old at the time of issuance. If the applicant is over the age of 40, then the privileges are valid for 12 calendar months. For reference, or more information, see CFR 14 §67 Subpart C.

Third-Class Medicals

If your aviation goals only extend to the use of your skills for personal travel, hobby, or other non-commercial use, then this medical is the correct choice. Third-class medical privileges are required for pilots who will be exercising Private Pilot privileges:

• student pilots who are soloing
• flight instructors who are exercising Flight Instructor certificate privileges or acting as a required crewmember, not including first-class medical privileges

Third-class medical certificate privileges are valid for 60 calendar months if the applicant is younger than 40 years old at the time of issuance. If the applicant is over the age of 40, then the privileges are valid for 24 calendar months. For reference, or more information, see CFR 14 §67 Subpart D.