FAA Medical Certificates: Class 1, 2, and 3 Explained
February 23, 2026
Most FAA pilot certificates require holding a current medical certificate to exercise flight privileges. The FAA issues three classes of medical, with different requirements and validity periods.
First Class Medical
Required to act as pilot in command of an air carrier under Part 121. Requires the most rigorous examination. For pilots under 40, valid 12 months for ATP privileges; for pilots 40 and older, valid 6 months. Valid 60 months for private pilot privileges.
Second Class Medical
Required for commercial pilot privileges (being paid to carry passengers or cargo). Valid 12 months for commercial privileges; 60 months for private pilot privileges.
Third Class Medical
Sufficient for private, recreational, and student pilot privileges. Valid 60 months for pilots under 40; 24 months for pilots 40 and older.
BasicMed
Introduced in 2017, BasicMed allows private pilots who previously held a standard FAA medical to instead use a regular driver's license plus a physician's exam every 48 months and a 2-year online course. BasicMed has operational limitations — no international operations, max 6 passengers, max 18,000 ft, max 250 knots.
Sport Pilot Exception
Sport pilots can use a valid driver's license in lieu of a medical certificate, subject to specific limitations on the aircraft and conditions of flight.
Medical Data in AviationDepth
AviationDepth displays medical certificate class and expiration dates as published by the FAA on each airman profile.