If you want to become a pilot, you definitely need to learn about FAA Airman Medical Certificates, also referred to as a medical. An FAA medical is required for pilots to act as pilot-in-command (PIC) or to serve as a required crewmember of an aircraft. Although a medical is not required to participate in flight training, it is required for a student to complete the solo flight requirements of flight training.
In short, a pilot must acquire an FAA medical certificate to:
- Act as pilot-in-command (PIC)
- Fly an aircraft solo
- Serve as a required flight crew member
The FAA lists all Aviation Medical Examiners on their website. Click here to find one near you!
Types of FAA Medical Certificates
There are three different FAA medical certificates, all of which have different standards and requirements. The three medicals are as follows:
- 3rd Class Medical
- 2nd Class Medical
- 1st Class Medical
Now, let’s take a look at the medical standards for the different FAA medicals. A lot of the standards for the three classes of medical certificates are the same. Common requirements include:
- Near Vision: 20/40 or better, each eye separately, with or without correction
- Color Vision: ability to perceive those colors necessary for safe performance of airman duties
- Blood pressure: below 155/95
- Zero substance dependence/abuse in last 2 years, strict guidelines for past cases
- See link below for a list of specific disqualifying conditions
A 3rd Class adds the following to these standards:
- Distant Vision: 20/40 or better, each eye separately, with or without correction
A 2nd Class adds the following to these standards:
- Distant Vision: 20/20 or better, each eye separately, with or without correction
- Intermediate Vision: 20/40 or better, each eye separately, with or without correction, at age 50
A 1st Class adds the following to these standards:
- Distant Vision: 20/20 or better, each eye separately, with or without correction
- Intermediate Vision: 20/40 or better, each eye separately, with or without correction, at age 50
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) (starting at age 35)
See the FAA website for their official Summary of Medical Standards.
FAA Medicals Requirements and Duration
FAA medical certificates are required for different reasons and they all have duration limitations. Let’s take a look at these below:
1st Class Medical
- A 1st Class medical certificate is required to exercise Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) privileges as Pilot in Command (PIC), or Second in Command (SIC) on some Part 121 airline operations
- Duration:
- ATP under age 40: 12 months
- ATP over age 40: 6 months
- Commercial Pilot: 12 months
- CFI and Private Pilot or lower under age 40: 60 months
- CFI and Private Pilot or lower over age 40: 24 months
2nd Class Medical
- 2nd Class medical certificate is required to exercise Commercial Pilot privileges, and for SIC on all other Part 121 airline operations.
- Duration:
- ATP or Commercial Pilot: 24 months
- CFI and Private Pilot or lower under age 40: 60 months
- CFI and Private Pilot or lower over age 40: 24 months
3rd Class Medical
- 3rd Class is required to exercise Private or Student pilot privileges, for flight instructors serving as PIC, or when taking a practical test for any pilot rating above Sport Pilot. Additionally, proof of a military flight physical is the same as a 3rd Class medical for civilian flight operations within US airspace.
- Duration:
- Under age 40: 60 months
- Over age 40: 24 months
Now, to make things easier, let’s take a look at some example use cases for 1st and 2nd class medical certificates.
1st Class and 2nd Class Medical Examples
1st Class Medical
A 55 year old airline captain receives a 1st Class medical certificate in January. He must renew it by the end of June (6 months) to continue flying at his airline. However, if he wanted to take a break from the airlines and instead fly a business jet for a private individual (exercising Commercial Pilot privileges), he has until the end of December (12 months) to renew his medical. Or, if he decided to only fly recreationally (exercising Private Pilot privileges) he doesn’t need to renew his medical until December of the following year (24 months).
2nd Class Medical
A 22 year old pilot flying tours over the Grand Canyon gets a 2nd Class medical certificate in January. If she wants to continue flying professionally (exercising her Commercial Pilot privileges) she must renew her medical by December of the following year. However, if she leaves that job and works only as a flight instructor (exercising CFI privileges) she has a full 5 years to renew in December (60 months).
Personal Responsibility of Pilots
Although the aviation industry is highly regulated, it also relies heavily on the honor system, specifically regarding medical conditions. A pilot with a current medical should constantly self-evaluate to determine their fitness for flight. If a pilot ever feels they cannot operate an aircraft safely (for business or personal use), they should self-ground themselves.
Common colds, medications, body aches, and other small illnesses can become problematic while flying. Always remember to self-evaluate before getting into the cockpit to ensure a safe flight for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up
Now you know everything you need to decide which medical you would like to pursue in order to pursue your aviation goals. Navigating this process can seem quite difficult at first, but don’t stress it. I highly recommend pursuing a 1st class medical right off the bat if you have plans to fly commercially in the future. Good luck to you all, and fly safely!