We hope you will find our site a valuable resource on your journey towards your aviation goals. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires every individual looking to become a licensed pilot to have a medical examination to ensure they are in good health before getting in the pilot’s seat.
3 types of medical certificates are issued based on the intentions of the pilot applicant:
Third Class (Private)
Third Class Certificates are granted to those who fly for personal business or pleasure. Pilots under the age of 40 are only required to renew their license every 60 months; pilots over the age of 40 are required to renew every 24 months.
Second Class (Commercial)
Second Class Certificates are granted to those who fly in commercial operations, such as crop dusting, pipeline and powerline patrol, flight instruction, or for hire, that do not involve scheduled airliners. Second Class certificates only need to be renewed every 12 months. Required for Commercial Pilots; Flight Engineers; Flight Navigators; or Air Traffic Control Tower Operator. (Note: This category of air traffic controller does not include FAA employee air traffic control specialists)
First Class (Airline)
First Class certificates are granted to those who are flying commercial transportation aircraft. If you are planning on working as a pilot with a major airline, this is the type of certificate you will need. Certification for pilots under the age of 40 is required every 12 months, while pilots over the age of 40 are required to renew every six months.