Eligibility

This regulation establishes the basic eligibility requirement for obtaining or maintaining a third-class medical certificate. To hold this certificate, you must meet all the medical standards specified in the rest of Subpart D (sections 67.301 through 67.313).

In practical terms, this means you need to satisfy specific vision, hearing, mental health, and general physical health requirements. The third-class medical is the least restrictive of the three medical certificate classes and is required for private pilot privileges and student pilots.

This regulation matters because it's the gateway provision—before diving into the detailed medical standards that follow, it simply states that you must meet them all. If you fail to meet any requirement in this subpart, you won't be eligible for a third-class medical certificate. The regulation applies both to initial certification and to maintaining your existing certificate, meaning you must continue meeting these standards at each medical examination.

*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.*