The Complete Guide to Getting Your FAA Flight Medical Certificate

Before you can fly as a pilot, you'll need an FAA medical certificate. This guide covers everything you need to know about the medical certification process.

Medical Certificate Classes

The FAA issues three classes of medical certificates, each with different privileges and requirements:

First Class Medical

Required for airline transport pilots (ATPs) exercising their privileges. Most stringent requirements, valid for 12 months for pilots under 40, 6 months for those 40 and older when exercising ATP privileges.

Second Class Medical

Required for commercial pilot operations. Valid for 12 months.

Third Class Medical

Sufficient for private and recreational flying. Valid for 60 months for pilots under 40, 24 months for those 40 and older.

The Application Process

Getting your medical certificate involves three steps:

1. Submit your application via MedXpress - Visit medxpress.faa.gov to complete your application online
2. Schedule an appointment with an AME - Aviation Medical Examiners are FAA-designated physicians. Expect to pay $100-200 for the exam.
3. Complete the medical examination - The AME will review your history and conduct the physical exam

Potentially Disqualifying Conditions

Certain conditions require additional evaluation or may prevent certification:

• Epilepsy or seizure disorders
• Insulin-dependent diabetes
• Certain cardiac conditions
• Substance abuse history
• Certain psychiatric conditions

However, many conditions that were once disqualifying now have pathways to certification through the Special Issuance process.

The BasicMed Alternative

Pilots who have held a valid medical certificate after July 2006 may be eligible for BasicMed, which allows flying under certain limitations with a regular physician's approval instead of an AME.

BasicMed limitations include:

• Aircraft with 6 or fewer seats
• Maximum 18,000 feet altitude
• Maximum 250 knots indicated airspeed
• U.S. operations only

Tips for a Smooth Medical Exam

1. Know your medical history - Gather records for any conditions, medications, or surgeries
2. Be honest - The FAA takes falsification seriously
3. Consult before applying - If you have concerns, consider consulting with AOPA's medical services or an experienced AME before submitting your MedXpress application
4. Bring documentation - If you've been treated for any conditions, bring relevant records to your exam

Getting Started

For most healthy individuals, the medical certification process is straightforward. If you have questions about whether a specific condition might affect your certification, we recommend consulting with an AME before beginning your application.

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