The FAA issues three classes of medical certificate. Which one you need depends on the flying you do, and how long it stays valid depends on your age. Here is each class explained, with a clear validity table.
This page is educational and is not medical advice. If you have any health history you are unsure about, talk to an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) before you apply. This is part of our FAA Medical Certificate guide.
The three classes at a glance
| Class | Who needs it | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| First class | Airline Transport Pilots | 12 months, or 6 months for ATP privileges if age 40 or older |
| Second class | Commercial pilots | 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 |
First class
Required to exercise Airline Transport Pilot privileges. It is the most thorough exam, including an electrocardiogram at certain ages. A first class medical also covers second and third class privileges as it ages down.
Second class
Required for commercial flying, such as charter, cargo, or flight instruction for hire. It is less stringent than first class but more than third.
Third class
This is what student, recreational, and private pilots need. The exam covers vision, hearing, blood pressure, and a general physical, and is usually quick and inexpensive. For most people learning to fly, the third class medical is the only one they will ever need, and many private pilots later switch to BasicMed.
How validity works with age
For a third class medical, if you are under 40 on the date of your exam it is valid for 60 calendar months; if you are 40 or older it is valid for 24 calendar months. Higher classes have shorter windows for their top privileges, then continue to provide lower-class privileges for longer.
Which class should you get?
Get a third class medical to learn to fly privately. If you intend to fly professionally someday, many students get a first class medical at the very start to confirm they can qualify at the highest level before investing in training.
Frequently asked questions
Which class do I need for a private pilot license?
A third class medical, or you may fly under BasicMed once you have held a medical.
How long is a third class medical valid?
60 months if you were under 40 at the exam, or 24 months if you were 40 or older.
Does a higher class cover lower privileges?
Yes. A first or second class medical provides third class privileges as it ages past its top-class window.