Medical Certificate Requirements:
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First-Class Medical Certificate:
- A first class medical certificate is required when exercising the privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate;
- If that person has reached his or her 60th birthday and serves as a pilot in 14 CFR part 121 operations
- Notwithstanding the provisions of Sec. 61.23(d)(1)(iii), that person's first-class medical certificate expires, for 14 CFR part 121 operations, at the end of the last day of the 6th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the medical certificate
You must hold at least a second-class medical certificate:
- When exercising the privileges of a commercial certificate
You must hold at least a third-class medical certificate:
- When exercising the privileges of a private pilot certificate;
- When exercising the privileges of a recreational pilot certificate;
- When exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate;
- When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate and acting as the pilot in command;
- When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate and serving as a required pilot flight crew-member;
- When taking a practical test in an aircraft for a recreational pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot, or airline transport pilot certificate, or for a flight instructor certificate;
- When performing the duties as an Examiner in an aircraft when administering a practical test or proficiency check for an airman certificate, rating, or authorization
Medical Application:
- In order to apply for a medical you must schedule an appointment with an Aviation Medical Examiner and been examined in accordance with Part 183
- An applicant may search for an AME online or by contacting the Manager of the Aerospace Medical Education Division, P.O. Box 26200, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73125
- Before your appointment with your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) simply go online to FAA MedXPress at https://medxpress.faa.gov/ and electronically complete FAA Form 8500-8
- Information entered into MedXPress will be available to your AME to review prior to and at the time of your medical examination, if you provide a confirmation number
- Must show proof of age and identity by presenting a government-issued photo identification (drivers license, military ID, passport)
- If an applicant does not have government-issued identification, he or she may use non-photo, government-issued identification (such as a birth certificate or voter registration card) in conjunction with photo identification (such as a work identification card or a student identification card)
- Each person who applies for a medical certificate shall execute an express consent form authorizing the Administrator to request information contained in the National Driver Register about the person to the Administrator
- The administrator shall make information received from the National Driver Register, if any, available on request to the person for review and written comment
- Any AME may grant a second or third class medical but only those AMEs specifically designated may grant first class
Medical Certificate Standards:
CERTIFICATE CLASS | First-Class | Second-Class | Third-Class | |||||||||||||||
PILOT TYPE | Airline Transport | Commercial | Private | |||||||||||||||
Distant vision | 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction | 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction | ||||||||||||||||
If corrected lenses are necessary for the required vision then they must be worn while exercising the privileges of the certificate |
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Near Vision | 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at 16 inches in each eye separately with or without corrective lenses. If age 50 or older, near vision of 20/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at both 16 inches and 32 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses | |||||||||||||||||
Color Vision | Ability to perceive those colors necessary for safe performance of airmen duties | |||||||||||||||||
Other Vision |
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Bifoveal fixation and vergence-phoria relationship sufficient to prevent a break in fusion under conditions that may reasonably be expected to occur in performing airmen duties. Tests for these factors are not required except for persons found to have more than 1 prism diopter or pyperphoria, 6 prism diopters of esophoria, or 6 prism diopters of exophoria. If any of these values are exceeded, the Federal Air Surgeon may require the person to be examined by a qualified eye specialist to determine if there is bifoveal fixation and an adequate vergence-phoria relationship. If otherwise eligible, the person is issued a medical certificate pending the results of the examination | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
Hearing |
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Audiology | Pure tone audiometric test: Unaided, with thresholds no worse than:
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Ear, Nose, Throat |
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Cardiovascular | No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of:
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Pulse | Not disqualifying per se. Used to determine cardiac system status and responsiveness | |||||||||||||||||
Blood Pressure | No specified values stated in the standards. Current guideline maximum is 155/95 | |||||||||||||||||
Electro-Cardiogram | At age 35 & annually after age 40 to demonstrate an absence of cardiovascular problems (test valid no earlier than 60 days before the date of the application) | Not routinely required | ||||||||||||||||
Mental | No established medical history of a personality disorder to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts, psychosis, or bipolar disorder. Further details available in FAR 67.107/207/307 | |||||||||||||||||
Substance Dependence & Substance Abuse | A diagnosis or medical history of substance dependence is disqualifying unless there is established clinical evidence, satisfactory to the Federal Air Surgeon, of recovery, including sustained total abstinence from the substance(s) for not less than the preceding 2 years. A history of substance abuse within the preceding 2 years is disqualifying. Substance includes alcohol and other drugs (i.e., PCP, sedatives and hypnotics, anxiolytics, marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, hallucinogens, and other psychoactive drugs or chemicals) | |||||||||||||||||
Neurological | No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of:
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Disqualifying Conditions Airman with these conditions may still be eligible for “Special Issuance” medical certificate. |
Unless otherwise directed by the FAA, the Examiner must deny or defer if the applicant has a history of:
A person who does not meet the above provisions may apply for the discretionary issuance of a certificate under 67.401 |
Medical Certificate Exceptions:
- A medical certificate is not required when:
- When exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate while seeking:
- A sport pilot certificate with glider or balloon privileges;
- A pilot certificate with a glider category rating or balloon class rating;
- When exercising the privileges of a sport pilot certificate with privileges in a glider or balloon;
- When exercising the privileges of a pilot certificate with a glider category rating or balloon class rating in a glider or a balloon, as appropriate;
- When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate with:
- A sport pilot rating in a glider or balloon;
- A glider category rating;
- When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate if the person is not acting as pilot in command or serving as a required pilot flight crew-member;
- When exercising the privileges of a ground instructor certificate;
- When serving as an Examiner or check airman and administering a practical test or proficiency check for an airman certificate, rating, or authorization conducted in a glider, balloon, flight simulator, or flight training device;
- When taking a practical test or a proficiency check for a certificate, rating, authorization or operating privilege conducted in a glider, balloon, flight simulator, or flight training device; or
- When a military pilot of the U.S. Armed Forces can show evidence of an up-to-date medical examination authorizing pilot flight status issued by the U.S. Armed Forces and:
- The flight does not require higher than a third-class medical certificate;
- The flight conducted is a domestic flight operation within U.S. Airspace
- When exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate while seeking:
- A person must hold and possess either a medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter or a U.S. driver's license when:
- Exercising the privileges of a student pilot certificate while seeking sport pilot privileges in a light-sport aircraft other than a glider or balloon;
- Exercising the privileges of a sport pilot certificate in a light-sport aircraft other than a glider or balloon;
- Exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating while acting as pilot in command or serving as a required flight crew-member of a light-sport aircraft other than a glider or balloon;
- Serving as an Examiner and administering a practical test for the issuance of a sport pilot certificate in a light-sport aircraft other than a glider or balloon
Duration of a Medical Certificate:
- No matter how long you have a medical certificate, it never changes class, but the privileges which you can execute your license may
Third Class:
- 40 or older: 24th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the medical certificate (2 years)
- Under 40: 60th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the medical certificate (5 years)
Second Class:
- Valid for the same as a third class (see above) however you can only execute the privileges of a Second Class for 12 months after the month of the date of the examination shown on the medical certificate
First Class:
- 40 or older: 6th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the medical certificate before you can only execute the privileges of a Second-Class for the remaining 6 months and then drop to the privileges of a Third-Class
- Under 40: 12th month after the month of the date of examination shown on the medical certificate before you can only execute the privileges of a Third-Class
Medical Deficiencies:
Operations that require a medical certificate:
- No person who holds a medical certificate issued under part 67 may act as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while that person:
- Knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation; or
- Is taking medication or receiving other treatment for a medical condition that results in the person being unable to meet the requirements for the medical certificate necessary for the pilot operation
- No person who holds a medical certificate issued under part 67 may act as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while that person:
Operations that do not require a medical certificate:
- A person shall not act as pilot in command, or in any other capacity as a required pilot flight crewmember, while that person knows or has reason to know of any medical condition that would make the person unable to operate the aircraft in a safe manner
BasicMed:
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Pilot Requirements:
- Must hold a valid U.S. driver's license, comply with any restrictions, and consent to a National Driver Register check;
- Have held a valid FAA medical certificate, regular or special issuance, on or after July 15, 2006; and not had their most recent medical revoked, suspended, or withdrawn, or most recent application denied
- Pilots with a medical history or diagnosis of certain cardiac, neurological, or mental health conditions will need a one-time-only special issuance for each condition
- Get a physical exam with a state-licensed physician (every four years (48 calendar months)), using the Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist
- Complete a BasicMed medical education course; (within the past 24 calendar months)
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Aircraft Requirements:
- Any aircraft authorized under federal law to carry not more than 6 occupants
- Has a maximum certificated takeoff weight of not more than 6,000 pounds (no limitations on horsepower, number of engines, or gear type)
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Operating Requirements:
- Carries not more than five passengers Operates under VFR or IFR, within the United States (unless authorized), at less than 18,000 feet MSL, not exceeding 250 knots
- Flight not operated for compensation or hire
- Geographic Limitation: Within the United States (unless authorized)
- The FAA guidance may be found on their website at: https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/basic_med/
- A list of frequency asked questions may be found at: https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/basic_med/media/basicmed_faq.pdf
Small UAS Medical Considerations:
- No person may manipulate the flight controls of a small unmanned aircraft system or act as a remote pilot in command, visual observer, or direct participant in the operation of the small unmanned aircraft if he or she knows or has reason to know that he or she has a physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of the small unmanned aircraft system
- Essentially what this is saying is that the burden of medical certification or assessment of medical fitness falls entirely on you, the pilot. Reference Manned Requirements for fitness and emphasize see and avoid.
Medical Certificate Knowledge Quiz:
Conclusion:
- Pilots who do not meet medical standards may still be qualified under special issuance provisions or the exemption process
- This may require that either additional medical information be provided or practical flight tests be conducted
- Student pilots should visit an Aviation Medical Examiner as soon as possible in their flight training in order to avoid unnecessary training expenses should they not meet the medical standards
- For the same reason, the student pilot who plans to enter commercial aviation should apply for the highest class of medical certificate that might be necessary in the pilot's career
- The CFRs prohibit a pilot who possesses a current medical certificate from performing crewmember duties while the pilot has a known medical condition or increase of a known medical condition that would make the pilot unable to meet the standards for the medical certificate
- Note that a medical certificate is one of the required documents, if your operation requires one, to comply with FAR 61.3
- Remember your medical readiness is not just at the time of your exam but before each flight
- You can find more about how a medication impacts your ability to fly by visiting the FAA's Pilot Information - Over-the-Counter Medications
- If you are worried about taking your medical, especially your first, check out the AOPA's guidance
- Still looking for something? Continue searching:
References:
- Aeronautical Information Manual (8-1-1) Fitness For Flight
- Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association - FAA Lists OTC Go/No-Go Medications
- Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association - BasicMed Refresher
- Aircraft Owners and Pilot Association - Your First Medical Exam
- Federal Aviation Administration - BasicMed Federal Aviation Administration - BasicMed Begins ... | July/August 2017
- Federal Aviation Administration - Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
- Federal Aviation Administration (Form 8500-8) Medical
- Federal Aviation Regulation - Medical Certification
- Federal Aviation Administration - Pilot/Controller Glossary
- Federal Aviation Administration - Pilot Information - Over-the-Counter Medications
- Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team - Pilots and Medication
- Federal Aviation Administration Safety Briefing (Nov/Dec 2012)
- Federal Aviation Regulations (61.405) What tests do I have to take to obtain a flight instructor certificate with a sport pilot rating?
- Federal Aviation Regulations (67)