What is a Medical Certificate?

Before you fly, an authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) will help you pass a short flight physical and receive your Medical Certificate (and/or Student Pilot Certificate). The exam usually costs between $50 and $100. Visit our list of AMEs for more information on finding an examiner.

Aviation medical exams are simple visual, aural, and general health assessments to help ensure that you are fit to fly. If you have any questions regarding color blindness, vision, medications, mental history, or other issues, you should contact your AME about them before your medical examination.

There are three classes of Medical Certificates: first, second, and third— and each one has a different level of intensity. You will need at least a third class medical to fly as a student or private pilot. It will last for three years (36 calendar months) if you are under 40 or two years (24 calendar months) if you are 40 or older. For those students seeking a professional pilot career, AirOne suggests obtaining a first class medical to ensure physical aptitude for your future profession (after the first six months, the 1st class medical will “downgrade” to a second, then a third class medical, and be valid for 24 or 36 calendar months after date of exam thereafter).