Medical certificates and BasicMed
The three classes of FAA medical, what each covers, and how BasicMed lets many pilots fly without one.
Most flying requires demonstrating medical fitness. In the U.S. there are three classes of FAA medical certificate plus the BasicMed alternative.
The three classes (issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner):
- First-class — required to exercise ATP/airline-captain privileges; the most stringent, renewed most often (and more frequently after age 40).
- Second-class — required to exercise commercial privileges.
- Third-class — required for private, recreational and student flying.
Higher classes include the privileges of lower ones, and a higher-class medical "downgrades" to a lower class as it ages.
BasicMed: lets many pilots fly without a current FAA medical if they: have held a valid medical after July 2006, hold a valid U.S. driver's license, complete a medical exam with any state-licensed physician on the FAA checklist, and take an online medical course. Limits apply — aircraft up to 6 occupants / 12,500 lb, ≤ 6 passengers, below 18,000 ft and 250 KIAS, within the U.S. (unless authorized).
Special issuance: many conditions that look disqualifying can be flown with an FAA special-issuance authorization — it just takes documentation and time. Get your medical before investing in training.
*Reference and training only — verify current medical rules with the FAA.*