Most pilots need an FAA medical certificate, and you must have one before you fly solo as a student. This guide explains the three classes, how to get one, what the exam involves, what can disqualify you, and how BasicMed offers an alternative for many private pilots.
This page is educational and is not medical advice. Medical certification is highly individual. Before spending money on training, and especially if you have any health history you are unsure about, talk to an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). An AME can advise you confidentially before you ever submit an application.
Do you need a medical to fly?
To fly solo as a student pilot, and to exercise private pilot privileges, you need either an FAA medical certificate or, in many cases, to qualify under BasicMed. You do not need a medical to take instruction with a flight instructor on board, but you cannot solo without one. Plan to get your medical early in training so it never holds you up.
The three classes of medical certificate
| Class | Who needs it | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| First class | Airline Transport Pilots (airline captains and first officers) | 12 months (6 months for ATP privileges if age 40 or older) |
| Second class | Commercial pilots (paid flying) | 12 months for commercial privileges |
| Third class | Private, recreational, and student pilots | 60 months if under 40 at the exam, 24 months if 40 or older |
You only need the class that matches the privileges you are exercising. For learning to fly and flying privately, a third class medical is what you need. A higher class also covers lower class privileges as it ages.
Which class you need for which certificate
As a student and private pilot, get a third class medical. If you later pursue a commercial certificate you will need a second class, and for airline flying a first class. Many career-track students get a first class medical at the very start, so they confirm early that they can qualify at the highest level before investing in training.
How to get a medical certificate
- Complete FAA MedXPress online. Fill out FAA Form 8500-8 at medxpress.faa.gov and get a confirmation number.
- Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The FAA lists AMEs by location. Schedule your exam.
- Have the exam. A standard third class exam covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, and a general physical. It is usually quick and inexpensive.
- Receive your certificate. In most straightforward cases the AME issues your medical at the visit.
Because answers on MedXPress are part of an official application, accuracy matters. If you have any complex history, consult an AME informally first so you understand your options before you submit.
Common disqualifying conditions and special issuance
The FAA reviews conditions such as certain cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric, and metabolic issues, among others. A history with one of these does not automatically end your flying. Many pilots fly with a Special Issuance, an authorization granted after providing additional medical documentation. The key is to work with a knowledgeable AME rather than guessing. Do not stop or change any prescribed treatment to “pass” an exam; that is both unsafe and counterproductive.
BasicMed: an alternative to the third class medical
BasicMed lets many private pilots fly without holding a current FAA medical, provided they meet its rules. You generally qualify if you have held a valid FAA medical at any point after July 14, 2006, and your most recent medical was not revoked, suspended, or withdrawn.
BasicMed requirements
- Get a physical exam with a state licensed physician using the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist (CMEC), every 48 months
- Complete a BasicMed online medical education course every 24 months
- Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license and comply with its restrictions
What you can fly under BasicMed
- Aircraft up to 6,000 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight
- Up to 6 occupants
- Below 18,000 feet and not faster than 250 knots
- Not for compensation or hire
For most private pilots flying typical general aviation airplanes, BasicMed covers what they do. Confirm the current limits, since the rules have been updated over time.
How the medical fits into your training
Get your third class medical early, before your first solo, so it never becomes a bottleneck. It is a required step on the path to your private pilot license, alongside your student pilot certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Which medical class do I need for a private pilot license?
A third class medical. You may also be able to fly under BasicMed once you have held a medical.
How long is a third class medical valid?
60 calendar months if you were under 40 at the exam, or 24 months if you were 40 or older.
Do I need a medical before my first lesson?
No, not for dual instruction with an instructor aboard, but you must have one before you fly solo.
What can disqualify you?
Certain cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric, and metabolic conditions are reviewed, but many can be cleared through a Special Issuance. Consult an AME.
How much does the exam cost?
A third class exam is typically $100 to $200.