Medical Certificates
61.23Certificate | Needed to exercise the privileges of | Valid for |
---|---|---|
3rd Class |
|
|
2nd Class |
| 12 months (1 year) |
1st Class |
| 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