Skip to main content

Medical Certificates

61.23
CertificateNeeded to exercise the privileges ofValid for
3rd Class
  • Private pilot
  • Recreational pilot
  • Student pilot
  • Flight instructor
  • When taking a practical test
  • Under the age of 40
    • 60 months (5 years)
  • Over the age of 40
    • 24 months (2 years)
2nd Class
  • Pilot-in-command as an airline transport pilot (ATP)
12 months (1 year)
1st Class
  • Airline transport pilot
12 months (1 year)

14 CFR 67 contains the specific medical requirements needed for a medical certificate, along with disqualifying medical conditions.

A higher-class medical can be used in place of a lower class one.

For example, suppose a pilot receives a first-class medical certificate:

  • He or she can exercise the privileges of the first class medical for one year following it's issuance
    • During this first year they can exercise the privileges of ATP, commercial, or private pilot
  • After one year, the medical can be used in lieu of a third class medical (for private pilot operations, instructing, etc.)
    • The certificate will remain valid for 4 more years (if under the age of 40)
    • Or, one more year (if over the age of 40), just as a 3rd class certificate would

See 61.23(d) for details.

Even when a pilot holds a valid medical certificate, they cannot act as PIC if they "know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation." - 61.53

References