The FAA private pilot medical certificate is normally third class. Learn when it is needed, how long it lasts and when BasicMed can be used.
For the usual FAA private pilot route in a powered airplane, you need at least a third-class medical certificate before your first solo and when exercising private-pilot privileges as pilot in command. A first- or second-class medical also qualifies. You may begin dual instruction without one; BasicMed and some aircraft categories provide alternatives.
Do I need an FAA medical before starting flight training?
No FAA medical is required merely to receive dual instruction, provided the instructor is acting as the required pilot. You normally need the medical before soloing a powered airplane or helicopter, and it must remain valid for operations in which you act as pilot in command.
The student pilot certificate and medical certificate are separate documents. Our guide to the documents and eligibility checks required before flight training explains when each one enters the process.
For a typical airplane private pilot practical test, the applicant carries at least a third-class medical or qualifies to operate under BasicMed. The medical class is not permanently attached to the pilot certificate; the requirement depends on the aircraft and operation. See the full sequence for earning an FAA private pilot certificate for the other training and testing requirements.
Which FAA medical class should a private pilot choose?
A third-class medical is sufficient when your goal is ordinary private flying rather than paid commercial or airline operations.
| Medical class | When it makes sense |
|---|---|
| Third class | The normal choice for student and private pilots flying for personal purposes. |
| Second class | Required for many commercial-pilot operations, but it also covers private-pilot privileges. |
| First class | Used for airline transport pilot privileges and also valid for private flying. |
A higher-class medical does not expand what a private pilot certificate permits. Career-minded students sometimes apply for a first-class medical early to establish whether they meet the stricter airline standard, but it is not required for private pilot training.
How long does a third-class medical last?
Third-class privileges last either 60 or 24 calendar months, based on your age on the examination date.
| Age on examination date | Third-class validity |
|---|---|
| Under 40 | 60 calendar months |
| 40 or older | 24 calendar months |
The certificate remains valid through the final day of the applicable calendar month. A first- or second-class medical can continue to support third-class privileges after its shorter higher-class period has elapsed, subject to the same age-based third-class limit.
Can BasicMed replace a third-class medical?
BasicMed can replace a current medical certificate for eligible private-pilot operations, but it is not an FAA medical certificate and is not a shortcut for most first-time applicants.
You must have held a regular FAA medical at some point after 14 July 2006, with no unresolved denial, suspension or revocation affecting eligibility. BasicMed also requires a medical examination checklist completed with a state-licensed physician every 48 months and an approved medical education course every 24 calendar months.
BasicMed operations are limited to qualifying aircraft authorised for no more than seven occupants and weighing no more than 12,500 lb at maximum certificated take-off weight. You may carry no more than six passengers, remain at or below 18,000 ft MSL and 250 KIAS, and may not fly for compensation or hire. Flights outside the United States require permission from the country concerned.
What should I do if I have a medical condition or take medication?
Discuss any potentially disqualifying diagnosis, treatment or medication with an aviation medical examiner before the formal examination begins. A mistake we see often is waiting until just before the first solo, then discovering that the FAA needs specialist reports or additional records.
Do not stop prescribed medication without speaking to the treating clinician. Gather accurate medical records instead. An AME may issue the certificate, defer the application to the FAA for review or, in some cases, require a special-issuance authorisation. A deferral is not the same as a denial, but an actual denial can also affect future BasicMed and driving-licence sport-pilot eligibility.
When is no FAA medical certificate required?
Glider and balloon pilots generally do not need an FAA medical certificate, although they must not fly with a known condition that would make the operation unsafe. A valid US driving licence may also serve as the medical qualification when operating strictly under sport-pilot rules, subject to the medical-history and aircraft restrictions for those privileges.
That driving-licence route does not cover ordinary private-pilot operations outside the sport rules. Even with a valid third-class medical or BasicMed qualification, every pilot must stop flying when illness, medication or another condition makes them unable to operate safely.