Which Class of FAA Medical Certificate Should I Apply For?
If you're scheduling your first FAA medical exam, you may be wondering which of the three FAA medical certificate classes you should apply for. The FAA offers First, Second, and Third Class medical certificates, and the right choice depends on your flying goals.
FAA Medical Certificate Classes: At a Glance
First Class | Second Class | Third Class | |
Who needs it? | Airline pilots | Commercial pilots | Student and recreational pilots |
Typical use | Airline operations | Commercial flying, such as aerial photography or certain charter operations | Private flying and flight training |
Under age 40 | 12 months | 12 months | 60 months (5 years) |
Age 40 or older | 6 months | 12 months | 24 months (2 years) |
Vision requirements | Stricter | Stricter | Less stringent |
EKG required? | Yes, based on age | No | No |
Exam fee at my office | Same fee | Same fee | Same fee |
First Class Medical Certificate: For Airline Pilots
A First Class medical certificate is required for pilots exercising airline transport pilot (ATP) privileges in operations that require a first-class medical.
The duration of First Class medical privileges depends on your age at the time of the exam:
Under age 40: First Class privileges are generally valid for 12 calendar months.
Age 40 or older: First Class privileges are generally valid for 6 calendar months.
After the First Class privileges expire, your medical certificate may still be valid for Second or Third Class privileges, depending on your age and the type of flying you do.
My advice: If you're considering becoming a professional airline pilot someday, I recommend obtaining a First Class medical certificate early in your flight training. Even if you only need a Third Class medical certificate to start flying, obtaining a First Class medical can help you determine whether you meet the more stringent medical requirements before investing significant time and money into your training.
Do I Need an EKG for a First Class Medical?
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is required for a First Class medical certificate:
Once at age 35 or older, at the first First Class examination after reaching age 35.
Annually beginning at age 40.
The EKG is submitted to the FAA along with your medical examination.
At my office, an EKG costs an additional $50. However, you may bring an EKG performed by your primary care physician or cardiologist within the past 30 days, provided it meets FAA requirements. This can save you the additional expense of having another EKG performed. The FAA allows for EKG as old as 60 days, but my preference is 30 days.
Second Class Medical Certificate: For Commercial Pilots
A Second Class medical certificate is generally appropriate for professional pilots who exercise commercial pilot privileges but do not need a First Class medical certificate.
For example, some charter pilots, aerial photography pilots, and other commercial operators may need a Second Class medical certificate, depending on the operation.
Second Class medical privileges are generally valid for 12 calendar months, regardless of age.
In my AME practice, Second Class medical certificates are the least commonly requested of the three classes.
Third Class Medical Certificate: For Student and Recreational Pilots
If you're learning to fly or flying primarily as a hobby, a Third Class medical certificate is usually sufficient.
This is the class most commonly needed by student pilots and private pilots who are not flying commercially, unless they qualify to fly under BasicMed or another exception.
Third Class medical certificates have less stringent requirements than First or Second Class certificates, particularly when it comes to visual acuity.
The duration depends on your age:
Under age 40: Generally valid for 60 calendar months (5 years).
Age 40 or older: Generally valid for 24 calendar months (2 years).
For most recreational pilots, there's no need to obtain a higher class of medical certificate unless you have a specific reason to do so.
Not Sure Which Class You Need? Ask Before Your Appointment (before you complete the MedXpress form).
If you're unsure which medical certificate to request, ask your flight instructor, flight school, or employer.
Your instructor may recommend obtaining a First Class medical even if you're just beginning flight training, particularly if you're planning a professional aviation career.
One thing to remember: You don't need a First Class medical certificate just because you want to become a better or more experienced pilot. The class of medical certification should reflect the privileges you need and your future flying goals.
Does a Higher Class Medical Exam Cost More?
At my practice, I charge the same examination fee for First, Second, and Third Class FAA medical certificates.
The only additional charge related to the class of examination is $50 if you need an EKG performed at my office.
If you're still uncertain about which class to apply for, feel free to ask when scheduling your appointment (email ame@drjennakim.com ). I'm happy to help you determine which class makes the most sense for your flying goals.
Source: Code of Federal Regulations
About the Author: Jenna Kim, MD, is a board-certified ophthalmologist, FAA Senior Aviation Medical Examiner, and HIMS AME serving pilots in the Atlanta and Covington, Georgia areas. As both a physician and private pilot, she writes practical articles to help pilots understand FAA medical certification.
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