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Aviation Medical Certificates Explained: Classes, Durations, Privileges, and BasicMed

Understanding aviation medical certificates is critical for pilots, as it directly impacts their eligibility to fly. Here's an in-depth look at medical certificates in aviation, including classes, durations, privileges, procedures for obtaining medical certification, and the BasicMed alternative.



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Classes of Aviation Medical Certificates

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issues three classes of medical certificates, each tailored to specific pilot privileges:


First-Class Medical Certificate

  • Who Needs It: Airline Transport Pilots (ATPs) and commercial pilots operating scheduled air carrier operations.

  • Privileges: Required for pilots operating under ATP privileges.

  • Duration:

    • Under age 40: Valid for 12 months.

    • Age 40 or older: Valid for 6 months.


Second-Class Medical Certificate

  • Who Needs It: Commercial pilots not requiring ATP privileges, such as charter, aerial photography, or crop-dusting pilots.

  • Privileges: Required for commercial operations other than airline transport.

  • Duration: Valid for 12 months regardless of age.


Third-Class Medical Certificate

  • Who Needs It: Private, recreational, and student pilots.

  • Privileges: Allows pilots to exercise private pilot privileges, not for hire.

  • Duration:

    • Under age 40: Valid for 60 months (5 years).

    • Age 40 or older: Valid for 24 months (2 years).


Obtaining an Aviation Medical Certificate

Pilots must obtain their medical certificate through an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). The process includes:

  1. Locate an AME: Use the FAA's AME locator tool to find an examiner nearby.

  2. Application (MedXPress): Complete the online FAA Form 8500-8 application through MedXPress prior to your appointment.

  3. Medical Examination: Visit your AME for a comprehensive medical exam, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, neurological screening, and overall physical assessment.

  4. Issuance: Based on exam results, the AME may immediately issue, defer, or deny the certificate. Deferrals are reviewed by the FAA medical office for further determination.


Medical Certificate Privileges and Limitations

  • First-Class: Allows pilots to perform airline transport operations and commercial flying.

  • Second-Class: Permits commercial flying operations, excluding airline transport.

  • Third-Class: Limited to private, recreational flying, and student pilot operations, excluding any commercial activities.


Pilots must maintain medical currency appropriate to their level of flying privileges.


BasicMed: An Alternative to Traditional Medical Certificates

BasicMed provides pilots an alternative to standard FAA medical certificates under certain conditions. Key features include:


BasicMed Eligibility Requirements

  • Held an FAA medical certificate (any class) valid after July 14, 2006.

  • Not had a medical denied, suspended, or revoked.

  • Hold a valid U.S. driver’s license.


BasicMed Procedures

  • Complete a physical exam with any state-licensed physician using the FAA’s Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist every 48 months.

  • Complete an online aeromedical education course every 24 calendar months.


BasicMed Privileges and Limitations

  • Fly aircraft authorized to carry up to six occupants (including the pilot).

  • Maximum takeoff weight of aircraft limited to 6,000 pounds.

  • Operate flights within the United States (domestic operations).

  • Altitude restrictions: Flights limited to altitudes below 18,000 feet MSL.

  • Speed restrictions: Flights limited to airspeeds of 250 knots indicated airspeed or less.

  • Not authorized for compensation or hire operations.


Choosing Between Traditional Medical Certificates and BasicMed

Pilots should assess their flying needs, aircraft type, and desired privileges when choosing between standard medical certification and BasicMed. Pilots engaged in more extensive or commercial flying activities typically require traditional FAA medical certification, while recreational pilots may benefit significantly from the simplicity and accessibility of BasicMed.


Conclusion

Navigating aviation medical certificates is a critical aspect of pilot responsibility and safety. Understanding the differences between the medical certificate classes, their privileges, durations, and the BasicMed alternative ensures that pilots remain compliant and safe while enjoying their aviation activities.




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