FLIGHT TRAININGMay 20, 2026· 7 min read

Aviation Medical Certificate Guide — 1st, 2nd, 3rd Class & BasicMed

Before you can fly solo or exercise most pilot privileges, you need a valid medical certificate. Here’s a complete breakdown of every class, duration, and how to find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

PlanesChat Aviation Team · FAA-verified data · Updated May 2026

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. For specific medical questions affecting your flight privileges, consult an Aviation Medical Examiner or AOPA’s Medical Certification team.

The Three FAA Medical Certificate Classes

Class	Required For	Age Under 40	Age 40+
1st Class	ATP, airline operations	12 months	6 months
2nd Class	Commercial pilot operations	12 months	12 months
3rd Class	Private, recreational, student pilot	60 months (5 years)	24 months (2 years)

A 1st class medical functions as a 2nd class after its 1st class privileges expire, and as a 3rd class after 2nd class privileges expire. You don’t need a new medical — the same certificate steps down in class.

BasicMed — The Alternative for Private Pilots

Under 14 CFR Part 68, BasicMed allows private pilots to fly without a current FAA medical certificate if they:

Hold or have held a valid FAA medical certificate at any time after July 14, 2006
Have had a physical exam with a licensed state physician within the past 48 months
Completed the online AOPA BasicMed course within the past 24 months

BasicMed restrictions:

Aircraft: under 6,000 lbs MTOW, no more than 6 seats
Operations: VFR or IFR, no compensation, max 250 KIAS, max 18,000 ft MSL
Passengers: up to 5 (but no commercial carriage)

Bottom line: For most private pilots, BasicMed is simpler, cheaper, and requires no FAA involvement. Your regular doctor can sign off. The AOPA BasicMed course takes about 2 hours online.

Certificate Duration at a Glance

Certificate	Age	Duration	Expires
1st Class	Under 40	12 months	Last day of 12th month
1st Class	40+	6 months (1st class), then steps down	Last day of 6th month
2nd Class	Any	12 months	Last day of 12th month
3rd Class	Under 40	60 months	Last day of 60th month
3rd Class	40+	24 months	Last day of 24th month
BasicMed	Any	48-month physician exam + 24-month course	Both must be current

How to Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)

AMEs are physicians authorized by the FAA to conduct aviation medical examinations. Use the FAA AME locator to find one near you. Senior AMEs (SAMEs) have additional training to handle complex medical cases.

PlanesChat tip: The Hangar lists verified Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) alongside CFIs, A&Ps, and DPEs. Every AME is confirmed against the FAA Designee Registry.

Tips for your AME appointment:

Bring a complete list of all medications, including OTC drugs
Know your full medical history — the AME will ask
Disclose honestly — falsifying a medical application is a federal offense under 18 USC §1001
If you have a potentially disqualifying condition, consult AOPA’s Medical Certification team before your exam

Common Conditions That May Affect Certification

Condition	Impact	Path Forward
Color vision deficiency	Limits night flying; may require SODA	Operational Test (OT) for daytime VFR privileges
Hypertension (controlled)	Usually certifiable with medication	Disclose medications; AME may issue with limitations
Diabetes (insulin-treated)	3rd class certifiable since 2015	Special Issuance required; glucose monitoring
Mental health history	Varies significantly by condition and treatment	Consult AOPA Medical before exam
ADHD	Certifiable with proper documentation	Special Issuance; may require neuropsychological testing
Previous DUI / substance	Must disclose; affects certification	HIMS AME evaluation required

Special Issuance — Flying with a Disqualifying Condition

A Special Issuance (SI) authorization allows pilots with normally disqualifying conditions to hold a medical certificate under specific conditions and monitoring requirements. The process requires documentation from your treating physician and review by the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division (AMCD).

AOPA’s Medical Certification Services offers free assistance navigating the SI process — one of the most underutilized resources in GA.

Find a Verified AME on PlanesChat

Browse Aviation Medical Examiners on The Hangar. FAA-verified, searchable by location and certificate class.

Find an AME — free