ASA: Medical Certificate FAQ

✈ What is a Medical Certificate ?

A medical certificate is acceptable evidence of physical fitness on a form prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA). A medical certificate is required by all student pilots prior to their first solo flight, and all certificated pilots when performing the duties of pilot in command or a member of the flight crew.

✈ Who needs a medical certificate ?

All pilots except those flying gliders and free air balloons must possess valid medical certificates in order to exercise the privileges of their airman certificates. The periodic medical examinations required for medical certification are conducted by designated Aviation Medical Examiners, who are physicians with a special interest in aviation safety and training in aviation medicine.

For information on finding an aviation medical examiner in your area, click HERE

✈ Do I need a medical certificate to take a knowledge test ?

No, you do not need to obtain a medical certificate to take a knowledge exam.

✈ Do I need a First, Second, or Third Class medical certificate ?

There are exceptions to these rules, which can be found in 14 CFR Part 61.23, but for the most part the following applies:

First Class - A person must hold a first class medical certificate when exercising the privileges of an Airline Transport Pilot.
Second Class - A person must hold at least a second-class medical certificate when exercising the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate.
Third Class - A person must hold at least a third-class medical certificate when exercising the privileges of a private, recreational, or student pilot, or flight instructor (except for a flight instructor certificate with a glider category rating or sport pilot rating, if the person is acting as pilot in command or is serving as a required flight crewmember.
You must also hold at least a third-class medical certificate prior to taking a practical test that is performed in an aircraft for a certificate or rating at the recreational, private, commercial, or airline transport pilot certificate level(except for a glider category rating or a balloon class rating).

✈ How long is my medical certificate good for ?

For medical certification requirements, classes, and duration click HERE for more details.

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