Medical Certificate Classes
The three FAA medical-certificate classes, what each allows, and how long each lasts.
Most pilots need a current FAA medical certificate issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). There are three classes, in descending order of privilege and rigour.
The three classes
- First class — required to exercise ATP privileges (airline captains). The most demanding exam.
- Second class — required for commercial privileges (flying for hire).
- Third class — required for private, recreational and student flying.
How long they last
A lower-class medical "downgrades" as it ages — a first-class certificate keeps working as a second- and then third-class one as the higher privileges expire. Third-class duration (per 61.23):
- 60 calendar months if you were under 40 at the exam.
- 24 calendar months if you were 40 or older.
First- and second-class durations are shorter and age-dependent.
No-medical operations
Sport-pilot privileges (with a valid US driver's license), gliders and balloons require no FAA medical. And [BasicMed](/guides/basicmed-explained) lets many private pilots fly without a current FAA medical if they meet its conditions.
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*Reference and training only — not for navigation. Always consult the current AIM, FAR/AIM, your aircraft’s POH/AFM, official weather products and a certificated flight instructor.*