Medical Certificate

An FAA-issued document certifying that a pilot meets the physical and mental health standards required to fly. There are three classes: First (required for airline transport pilots, valid 12 months), Second (required for commercial pilots, valid 12 months), and Third (required for private and recreational pilots, valid 60 months if under 40, 24 months if 40 or older). The exam is conducted by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). BasicMed is an alternative path for certain operations.