Well as I study for my exam today I started breaking out the old E6B, Navigational Plotter, looking at my logbook and…my medical certificate, holy cow last done 4/21/2008, wasn’t even thinking!  Gotta get that done this week.  Will visit Dr. Carlton Pittard, in Grapevine, TX!

In case you don’t know, I refreshed my mind on what requires, what medical when and so on.

First class certificates are required for those intending to be pilot-in-command in an air carrier operation requiring an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Other operations, including those under Part 91, may require a first class medical for insurance purposes, although it is not a federal requirement in such cases.

To qualify for the first class medical certificate, pilots must meet the requirements for the third and second class certificates plus:

* Heart Function: Electrocardiogram must show normal heart function once at age 35 and annually for those age 40 and over

For pilots under 40 years of age, first class medical certificates expire on the last day of the month they were issued, one year from the date of issue. The FAA introduced this rule on July 24, 2008.[15][16] For all others, they are valid until the last day of the month, six months after they were issued. The certificate holder may then only exercise the privileges of a second class medical certificate until the last day of the month, twelve months after the certificate was issued, thereafter the privileges of a third class medical until the last day of the month, twenty four months after the medical was issued ( FAA $61.23 (d-1-iii) ).

• Student Pilot: an individual who is learning to fly under the tutelage of a flight instructor and who is permitted to fly alone under specific, limited circumstances
  • Hold at least a current third class medical certificate (except for glider, balloon or sport pilot).
• Sport Pilot: an individual who is authorized to fly only Light-sport Aircraft
  • It is the only powered aircraft certificate that does not require a medical certificate; a valid vehicle driver’s license can be used as proof of medical competence provided the prospective pilot was not rejected for their last Airman Medical Certificate (see Sport Pilot Catch 22).
• Recreational Pilot: an individual who may fly aircraft of up to 180 horsepower (130 kW) and 4 seats in the daytime for pleasure only
• Private Pilot: an individual who may fly for pleasure or personal business, generally without accepting compensation
  • Obtain at least a third class medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (except for glider or balloon)
• Commercial Pilot: an individual who may, with some restrictions, fly for compensation or hire
  • To fly for hire, the pilot must hold a second class medical certificate, which is valid for 12 months.
• Airline Transport Pilot (often called ATP): an individual authorized to act as pilot in command for a scheduled airline
  • First class certificates are required for those intending to be pilot-in-command in an air carrier operation requiring an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. Other operations, including those under Part 91, may require a first class medical for insurance purposes, although it is not a federal requirement in such cases.

A medical certificate is not necessary to fly a glider, balloon, or light-sport Aircraft. An ultralight aircraft may be piloted without a pilot certificate or a medical certificate.

What do I have to do for my second class medical?

Third class certifications require the least involved examinations of all medical certifications. They are required for those intending to be pilot-in-command of an aircraft under the Private or Recreational pilot certificates or while exercising solo privileges as a student pilot. To qualify for a third class medical certificate, pilots must meet the following requirements:

• Distant vision: 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction
• Intermediate vision: 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction, at age 50 and over, as measured at 32 inches

• Near vision: 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction, as measured at a distance of 16 inches (410 mm)
• Color vision: Demonstrate the ability to perceive the colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties
• Hearing: Demonstrate the ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using both ears, at a distance of six feet, with their back turned to the examiner, or pass an approved audiometric test
• Ear, Nose, and Throat: Exhibit no ear disease or condition manifested by, or that may reasonably be expected to be manifested by, vertigo or a disturbance of speech or equilibrium
• Blood Pressure: Under 155/95
• Mental Status: No diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe personality disorders
• Substance Dependence: No dependence on alcohol or any pharmacological substance in the previous two years

FAA Medical Examiners

FAA Medical Questions