Pilots must also be medically certified. Obtaining a medical certificate is a simple matter of finding an aviation medical examiner (AME) near you and scheduling an appointment.
There are three classes of medical certificates: First, second, and third.
FAR Part 61 contains detailed information concerning the requirements for and duration of medical certificates.
FAR Part 67 lists the specific medical standards by which pilots are certified.
First Class Medical Certificate
A first class medical certificate is required for pilots acting as the pilot in command of certain commercial operations, such as an airline captain. The first class medical is the strictest and is valid for 6 calendar months.
Second Class Medical Certificate
The second class medical is required for commercial pilots other than those who require a first class medical, such as an airline co-pilot. The second class medical is valid for 12 calendar months.
Third Class Medical Certificate
A third class medical is valid for 24 calendar months (or 60 calendar months for pilots under age 40) and is required to act as a private, recreational, or student pilot.
What is a calendar month?
The use of calendar months means that the certification is always valid until the end of the month. For example, a third class medical certificate issued on July 4th, 2010 expires 24 calendar months later, on July 31st, 2012. It simplifies renewal by allowing the pilot to make a medical appointment sometime in the month of July, in this case, rather than having to make an appointment prior to July 4th.
Waivers
If some medical problem is found during the medical examination, the pilot is not necessarily barred from flying. A waiver may be issued if it is found that the pilot is still capable of flying safely, even with the medical condition.
Medical Certificate Reversion
Medical certificates can be considered to automatically revert to the next lower class upon expiration. For example, a first class medical certificate could be used as a second class medical for up to 12 calendar months or as a third class medical for up to 24 calendar months. A second class medical could be used as a third class medical certificate for up to 24 calendar months.
Required Pilot Certificates and Documents
Regulations require you to have your pilot certificate, medical certificate, and acceptable photo identification in your physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft when acting as a pilot.
You must produce these documents when requested by the FAA, NTSB, TSA, or a police officer.
Known Medical Deficiency
If you think that, for any reason, you may no longer meet the requirements to hold your medical certificate, you are required to stop using your medical certificate. The requirements for obtaining medical certificates are found in CFR Title 14, Part 67.
A list of medical examiners is available from your flight school or on the FAA web site.
§ 61.23 Medical certificates: Requirement and duration.
§ 61.3 Requirement for certificates, ratings, and authorizations.
§ 61.53 Prohibition on operations during medical deficiency.