Considering Flying? Get a Medical/Student Pilot Certificate

It's always hard to take the first step when you've wanted to do something for a long time. Wait no longer! There are many things to consider about flight training, but one thing all pilots must have is a medical certificate (unless you want to fly gliders or balloons). You'll need one to exercise the privileges of your pilot certificate (read fly solo or with passengers).

Now, if you're just undecided on whether flying is for you, certainly by all means, hop down to your local airport and ask for a discovery flight. You won't need a medical certificate for that, or any of your initial training. In fact, you don't need a student pilot certificate until you're ready for your first solo, but hopefully you'll have an honest flight instructor that will require you to get a medical before you start your training. If you're training already and don't have a medical, BEWARE (unless you're flying gliders or balloons.) I couldn't think of a worse scenario than doing all your training up to your first solo, then going to get a medical and being denied for some medical deficiency.

But what medical certificate is right for you? Let's consider a couple of things: Scope of training and age.

Depending on what your training aspirations are, you'll need one of three classes of medical: First, Second, or Third. It's a good idea for your first medical to get what you think you'll need for what you want to do in the future. You don't have to renew it until you're ready to exercise your pilot certificate, but at least you'll know if you're eligible in the first place. For example, you want to be an airline captain. You'll eventually be certificated with an Airline Transport pilot licence, which requires a First class medical to exercise the privileges of. First you'll start out as a student, which only requires a Third class. Then you'll get your Private, again requiring only a Third class. Commercial requires at least a Second class, and the ATP requires the First. It might take you longer than 6 months to get to the ATP level from when you start training, but the earliest you'll need to renew your medical is 24 months, if you're over 40. If you're under 40, you've got 60 months before you have to renew. And remember, you only need that class if you're wanting to exercise the privileges of your pilot certificate. (Don't worry, you're doctor or flight instructor will make it all make sense!!)

You'll need a student pilot certificate, which you can get as part of any of the following medicals, just by asking your doctor. It's good for 24 calendar months, which should give you plenty of time to get your Private or Recreational pilot certificate.

If you're intending on flying for an airline or as a commercial pilot generally flying 'big stuff,' you'll need a First class. If you're under 40, your medical will need to be renewed every 12 calendar months (basically, to the end of the month in which it was issued, e.g., if it was issued 12 Jan 2009, it's good until 31 Jan 2010.) If you're over 40, you'll need to renew it every 6 calendar months.

If you're intending on flying for hire, doing stuff like charter or crop-dusting, generally flying 'smaller stuff,' you'll need a Second class. It's valid for 12 calendar months, regardless of age.

Finally, if you're just intending to fly for pleasure or just haul the family around in your personal jet - you won't be hired for your pilot services and suave demeanour - you'll require only a Third class. If you're under 40, it's valid for 60 calendar months, or if you're over 40, it's valid for 24 calendar months.

There are specific things the Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) will check you for, all regulated by 14 CFR Part 67, which you can find HERE if you're comfortable reading lawyer talk. If you don't think you're eligible, at least see an AME before giving up. Many times you can get a waiver if you can demonstrate your ability to act as pilot safely.

I'll provide you with two other resources: An FAQ the FAA has published:

Frequently Asked Questions

And, where to find your nearest qualified doctor: (AME)

Find your nearest Aviation Medical Examiner

Go get started today!!