FAA Medical Certification

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To assure a pilot is fit to fly, the FAA requires a valid FAA medical certificate in addition to a pilot certificate to fly.

Any person acting as pilot-in-command or other required crew member of an aircraft must hold a current and appropriate medical certificate. This includes student pilots in solo flight as well as private, commercial, and airline pilots.

First Class Medical

A first-class airman medical certificate is required to exercise the privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate.

Second Class Medical

A second-class airman medical certificate is required for commercial, non-airline duties (e.g. for crop dusters, corporate pilots)

Third Class Medical

A third-class airman medical certificate is required to exercise the privileges of a private pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, a flight instructor certificate, or a student pilot certificate.

To obtain a medical certificate you must be examined by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). As the airman you should follow these steps to apply for and obtain your medical certificate:

• Use MedXPress, to complete the initial portion of the application.
• Schedule an appointment with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) in your area.