All airplane pilots must possess valid and appropriate medical certificates to exercise the privileges of their pilot certificates (FAR 61.23)
Periodic medical examinations required for the medical certificate are conducted by FAA aviation medical examiners (AMEs)
For questions pertaining to acceptable over-the-counter medications, refer to this FAA document: What Over-the-Counter (OTC) medications can I take and still be safe to fly?
Requirement and Duration of Medical Certificates
A person must hold:
A first-class medical when exercising the privileges of an ATP certificate
At least a second-class medical when exercising the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate
At least a third-class certificate:
When flying as a private, recreational, or student pilot certificate
When using a flight instructor certificate if the instructor is PIC or is a necessary pilot flight crewmember
Before taking a practical test in an airplane for a recreational, private, commercial, or ATP level
You don’t need a medical certificate when:
Flying with a flight instructor certificate if the person is not acting as PIC or is not an important crewmember
Using a ground instructor certificate
Taking a test for a certificate in a flight simulator or flight training device
Medical Certificate Duration
Third Class Medical Certificate
- For operations requiring a private, recreational, or student pilot certificate, a first, second, or third-class medical expires at the end of the last day of the month
- The expiration time for a third class medical is either:
- 5 years (60 months) after the date of examination shown on the certificate if you have not reached your 40th birthday on or before the date of examination
- Or 2 years (24 months) after the date of examination shown on the certificate if you have reached your 40th birthday on or before the date of examination
- Even with physical handicaps, medical certificates can be issued in many cases depending on the disability, and can be granted through the process known as a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA)
Second Class Medical Certificate
- A second-class medical expires at the end of the last day of:
- The 12th month after the date of examination when flying with a commercial pilot certificate
- When flying as a private, recreational, flight instructor(when PIC), or student pilot, the time is the same as for a third class medical
First Class Medical Certificate
- A first-class medical expires at the end of the last day of:
- The 12th month after the date of examination when flying with an ATP certificate if under the age of 40
- The 6th month after the date of examination when flying with an ATP certificate if age 40 or older
- The 12th month after the date of examination when flying with just a commercial pilot certificate
- When flying as a private, recreational, flight instructor(when PIC), or student pilot, the time is the same as for a third class medical
Replacing a Medical Certificate
If you need to replace your medical, you have to send in a signed letter to the Department of Transportation with a check to pay for the new certificate
Limits on Operations during Medical Deficiency
You cannot fly as a PIC or be a required crewmember if you have a known medical problem that makes you unable to meet the requirements of your medical
Follow this link to see what Approved Medications are.