Pilots and other required crew members must have valid medical certificates. Applicants can apply for any class of airman medical certificates, but they must meet the specific requirements for that specific class of medical certificate. The class of medical certificate an airman needs depends on their flying duties.
What Are the Requirements for a Valid Pilot Medical Certificate?
Medical certificates are required by federal law. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificates certify that pilots and crew members are fit to fly. The medical certificate means that the airman is not a risk to public safety.
The requirements for a medical certificate to be valid include:
- A medical certificate must have the original signature of the AME (aviation medical examiner) who performed the medical examination OR a digital signature of an authorized FAA physician
- Copies of medical certificates are not valid
- AMEs can only issue an originally signed medical certificate to a pilot or crew member
- The FAA must issue replacements for lost or destroyed medical certificates
- A pilot must have the correct class of medical certificate for the flying duties performed by the pilot
The time period for a medical certificate’s validity depends on the medical certificate’s class. The periods vary from six months to five years, depending on the class and other factors.
How Long Are Medical Certificates Valid for United States Airmen and Pilots?
There are three classes of medical certificates for pilots. The time the medical certificate is valid depends on several factors, including:
First Class Medical Certificate
First-class medical certificates are valid for the remainder of the month they are issued, plus:
- Six months when the pilot is 40 years old or over as of the examination date
- 12 months if the pilot is not 40 years old on the examination date or the duties require the pilot to possess a second-class medical certificate
- 24 months for duties that require a pilot to possess a third-class medical certificate when the pilot is more than 40 years old on or before the examination date
- 60 months for duties that require a pilot to possess a third-class medical certificate if the pilot has not turned 40 years old before the examination date
Airline transport pilots must have a first-class medical certificate.
Second Class Medical Certificate
Second-class medical certificates are valid for the remainder of the month they are issued, plus:
- 12 months for duties that require a pilot to possess a second-class medical certificate
- 24 months for duties that require a pilot to possess a third-class medical certificate
- 60 months for duties that require a pilot to possess a third-class medical certificate when the pilot has not turned 40 years old on or before the examination date
Second-class medical certificates are required for commercial pilots, air traffic control tower operators, balloon pilots exercising commercial pilot privileges, flight navigators, and flight engineers.
Third Class Medical Certificate
Third-class medical certificates are valid for the remainder of the month they are issued, plus:
- 24 months for duties that require a pilot to possess a third-class medical certificate when the pilot is 40 years old or older by the examination date
- 60 months for duties that require a pilot to possess a third-class medical certificate when the pilot has not turned 40 years old by the examination date
A third-class medical certificate is required for recreational pilots and private pilots.
What Happens if the FAA Denies My Medical Certification?
The FAA may deny your medical certificate for many reasons. Several health conditions can trigger an FAA medical denial, including, but not limited to:
- Bipolar disease or other severe personality disorder
- Diabetes requiring hypoglycemic medication
- Substance abuse or dependency
- Cardiac-related issues, including coronary heart disease, heart replacement, and angina pectoris
- Epilepsy or other disturbance of consciousness without a satisfactory explanation of the cause
- Certain medications not approved by the FAA as safe for flying
The above conditions and other health-related issues may disqualify a pilot from flying. However, if the FAA denies your medical certificate, you have 30 days to file an appeal with the FAA. If your reconsideration of an FAA medical denial fails, you can appeal the denial to the National Transportation Safety Board within 60 days after the FAA denies your appeal.
Contact The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers
FAA appeals for medical certificates can be complicated. Our national aviation attorneys have extensive experience with FAA appeals and denials of medical certificates. We can help you prepare an effective appeal with expert testimony and doctor’s opinions to prove you are safe to fly.
Call The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers for a consultation with one of our FAA pilot lawyers.
Contact the Aviation Lawyers from The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers for Help Today
You need both a pilot and a lawyer on your side for your aviation law needs. Don’t hesitate to contact our team from The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced aviation lawyer today.
We’re pilots representing pilots. The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers offers FAA enforcement defense and medical certification representation worldwide!
The Ison Law Firm Aviation Lawyers
Phone: Toll-Free 855-322-1215
Office Hours: Mon – Thu, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Fri, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Disclaimer: Messages left for attorneys after these business hours will be addressed the following business day, during business hours.
