Does FAA medical certificate expire?

How long is an FAA Medical valid? A Third Class Medical certificate issued before the age of 40 is valid for 5 years or 60 calendar months. The duration of first-class medical certificate is one year. This term also applies to airmen who turn 40 during the time the medical is in effect.



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Operations After Medical Expiration. Without another FAA flight physical, they might still be able to participate in activities that only require a current US Driver's License such as the light sport pilot operations explained above.

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But, sooner or later, most pilots will develop a medical condition that they cannot hide. When that happens, your whole medical history will come under review. If you ever need to submit medical records to the FAA, they will review everything you give them.

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BasicMed is an alternate way for pilots to fly without holding an FAA medical certificate as long as they meet certain requirements. Print off a FAA Form 8700-2; BasicMed Comprehensive Medical Examination Checklist ( CMEC ) and get your physical exam with a state-licensed physician.

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Medical Problems
Unfortunately, some medical or health issues may cause you to fail the extensive medical examinations required to become a pilot. This includes certain heart diseases, conditions such as epilepsy, poor hearing, bad vision, and even common allergies, as certain allergy medications can make you drowsy.

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The FAA's regulations require airline pilots to undergo a medical exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) every six months to five years, depending on the type of flying they do and their age. Aviation Medical Examiners are trained to determine the pilot's mental health and fitness to fly.

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Medical certificates are designated as first-class, second-class, or third-class. Generally, first-class is designed for the airline transport pilot; second-class for the commercial pilot; and third-class for the student, recreational and private pilot.

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NOTE: Airmen may either use clear laminating sheets to protect permanent FAA-issued certificates or have the certificates professionally laminated, as long as the airman's signature is placed on the certificate before lamination. Without the signature, the certificate is not valid.

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You must contact an AME of your choosing, schedule an appointment, complete an official FAA application form via MedXPress, and undergo a physical examination by an AME. If you meet the appropriate medical standards, the AME will issue you a medical certificate.

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What the AME May Look at During Your FAA Medical Exam: Eyesight – Your near, intermediate, peripheral, far, and color vision will be tested. Hearing – According to FAA regulations, you must be able to acceptably understand speech and be able to hear a conversational voice in a quiet room at a distance of 6 feet away.

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