Logbook Life

Introduction

Before you can take to the skies as Pilot in Command, you’ll need more than a flight plan — you’ll need an aviation medical certificate. It’s one of the first steps student pilots face, and it often raises questions: Which class do I need? How long is it good for? What happens if I don’t pass?

Here’s a breakdown of aviation medicals and what every pilot should know before scheduling that first appointment.

1. The Three Classes of Medical Certificates

• First Class: Required for airline transport pilots (ATP). The strictest standard, but also renewable for shorter durations (6–12 months depending on age).
• Second Class: Required for commercial pilots (Part 135 charter, crop dusting, banner towing, etc.).
• Third Class: Required for private pilots who don’t qualify or choose not to use BasicMed. Most student pilots start here.

👉 Tip: Always apply for the highest medical you think you’ll need in your career. If your goal is the airlines, start with a First Class so you know where you stand.

2. BasicMed: An Alternative for Many Pilots

• Introduced in 2017, BasicMed allows many private pilots to fly without renewing an FAA medical certificate.
• Requirements: Held a valid medical after 2006, complete a medical exam with your personal doctor, and an online course every 24 months.
• Privileges: Fly aircraft up to 6,000 lbs and 6 seats, up to 18,000 ft and 250 knots, VFR or IFR.

👉 For many recreational and GA pilots, BasicMed is easier than renewing a Third Class.

3. Sport Pilot Medicals (Driver’s License)

• Under Sport Pilot rules (and now expanded with MOSAIC), you can use your driver’s license in place of a medical.
• Restrictions: You must not have been denied an FAA medical previously.
• Privileges: Limited to certain aircraft and conditions — but with MOSAIC, this category is expanding to larger, more capable airplanes.

4. What to Expect at Your Medical Exam

• Performed by an FAA-designated AME (Aviation Medical Examiner).
• Includes: vision check, hearing, blood pressure, urine sample, medical history review.
• Not usually invasive, but honesty is key.
• If you have a medical condition (sleep apnea, ADHD history, heart conditions, etc.), check FAA guidance before applying — sometimes paperwork prep can save a denial.

5. Why Medicals Matter Beyond Paperwork

Aviation is a world where safety depends on performance — not just of the airplane, but the pilot. Medical certification isn’t just about bureaucracy; it’s about ensuring pilots are safe to fly themselves, their passengers, and the people below.

For many of us, the medical exam is also a reality check: staying fit to fly means taking care of ourselves on the ground, too.

Conclusion

Aviation medicals may seem like just another hoop to jump through, but they’re really about protecting the privilege we all love: the freedom to fly. Whether you’re flying under BasicMed, Sport Pilot rules, or holding a First Class medical for airline work, the bottom line is the same — safe pilots make safe skies.

Sign-Off:
From my logbook to yours — stay safe, and let’s fly.
– Tommy J.

📝 Aviation Medicals Quick Reference

Medical Type	Who Needs It	Validity	Privileges / Notes
First Class	Airline Transport Pilots (ATP)	12 months if under 40; 6 months if 40+	Required for airline captains; highest standard
Second Class	Commercial Pilots (Part 135, crop dusting, banner towing, etc.)	12 months (all ages)	Covers all commercial operations
Third Class	Private Pilots, Recreational Pilots, Student Pilots	60 months if under 40; 24 months if 40+	Most common entry point for students and GA pilots
BasicMed	Private Pilots (must have held FAA medical after July 2006)	Exam with personal physician every 48 months + online course every 24 months	Up to 6 seats, 6,000 lbs max, 250 knots, 18,000 ft; VFR or IFR
Sport Pilot (Driver’s License)	Sport Pilots flying Light-Sport or MOSAIC-eligible aircraft	Driver’s license must remain valid	No FAA medical required; cannot have prior medical denial