Medical Rules
Staying Legal Outside The Military
You are required to get checked by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) before you can fly outside the military per CFR 61.23. You will need this medical certificate to be qualified to apply for any flying jobs out there. You will want to find yourself a good AME near you by asking around or via the FAA website. If you will be applying for VA Disability benefits, study up on what can affect your Medical certificate via the FAA AME website or other medical websites. Before you go to the Flight Doc, make sure you complete your Med Express application.
Two things to know:
1. Once the time period of your medical certificate has expired, you can continue to exercise the privileges of the next higher certificate at your leisure. For example, if over 40 and your 6-month 1st class certificate expires, you can still fly as an SIC on an ATP certificate or fly as PIC on a commercial certificate.
2. It is possible to claim VA disability, up to 100%, and still receive a 1st class medical certificate. This process may take months to clear up with your AME and the FAA depending on the claimed ailments, but many veterans have been able to receive both.
Here are the different classes of Medical Certificates:
1ST CLASS
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
A first-class medical certificate is required:
When exercising the PIC privileges of an ATP certificate
- If you are under 40 years old, your certificate is good for 12 months.
- If you are 40 or older, your certificate is only good for 6 months.
- When conducting operations of a Commercial Pilots certificate your medical certificate is good for 12 months.
- When conducting operations of a Recreational pilot certificate, a Private pilot certificate or a Flight Instructor certificate, and you’re under 40, it is good for 60 months.
- If 40 or over, it is reduced to 24 months. If you exceed the expiration date, the medical certificate drops to a 3rd Class Certificate.
2ND CLASS
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
A minimum of a second-class medical certificate is required:
When exercising the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate or as an SIC on an ATP certificate
- Your certificate is good for 12 months, regardless of your age.
- When conducting operations of a Recreational pilot certificate, a Private pilot certificate or a Flight Instructor certificate, and you’re under 40, it is good for 60 months. If 40 or over, it is reduced to 24 months.
3RD CLASS
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
A minimum of a third-class medical certificate is required:
When exercising the privileges of a private pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, or student pilot certificate.
When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate and acting as the pilot-in-command or as a required flightcrew member.
When taking a practical test in an aircraft for a recreational pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot, or airline transport pilot certificate, or for a flight instructor certificate.
When performing the duties as an Examiner in an aircraft when administering a practical test or proficiency check for an airman certificate, rating, or authorization.
- When conducting operations of a Recreational pilot certificate, a Private pilot certificate or a Flight Instructor certificate, and you’re under 40, it is good for 60 months. If 40 or over, it is reduced to 24 months.