Eligibility

This regulation establishes the basic eligibility framework for obtaining and maintaining a second-class medical certificate, which is required for commercial pilot operations (though not for airline transport pilot operations, which require first-class).

The key point is that eligibility has two phases: initial issuance and continued validity. You must meet all the medical standards in Subpart C both when you first apply for the certificate and throughout the period it remains valid. This means if your health changes after receiving the certificate, you're required to remain eligible under those same standards—though the regulation doesn't specify self-grounding procedures, which are covered elsewhere.

Second-class medicals are typically needed for commercial pilot privileges, such as flying for compensation or hire in operations not requiring an ATP certificate. The specific medical standards you must meet are detailed in the subsequent sections of Subpart C (§§67.203 through 67.213).

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*