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What is a second class medical certificate?

Author

Ava White

Updated on February 19, 2026

What is a second class medical certificate?

The FAA issues three classes of medical certificates: The Second class medical is valid for commercial privileges for 12 months. A Third class medical certificate is appropriate for student pilots, recreational pilots, and private pilots who fly for pleasure or personal business (but not for hire).

Correspondingly, how much is a Class 2 medical certificate?

Fees for medical certificate applications

Request typeCASA processing fee
Class 1 medical$ 75.00
Class 2 medical$ 65.00
Basic Class 2 medical$ 10.00
Class 3 medical$ 75.00

Also, what is 1st 2nd and 3rd class FAA medical? Medical certificates are designated as first-class, second-class, or third-class. Generally, first-class is designed for the airline transport pilot; second-class for the commercial pilot; and third-class for the student, recreational and private pilot.

Regarding this, how do I get a FAA Class 2 medical certificate?

You must contact an AME of your choosing, schedule an appointment, complete an official FAA application form via MedXPress, and undergo a physical examination by an AME. If you meet the appropriate medical standards, the AME will issue you a medical certificate. Search for Aviation Medical Examiners in your area.

Do you need 20 20 vision to be a pilot?

As an example, pilots must have normal color vision, distance acuity no worse than 20/70 in each eye correctable to 20/20, near vision 20/20 without correction, and meet other refraction and astigmatism requirements. Corrective eye surgery may also disqualify applicants for pilot or other specific roles.

What disqualifies you from being a pilot?

Here is the list of “mandatory disqualifying conditions:
  • Angina Pectoris.
  • Bipolar Disorder.
  • Coronary artery disease that has required treatment or is symptomatic.
  • Diabetes Mellitus that requires insulin or oral medications for treatment.
  • Disturbance of Consciousness without adequate explanation.
  • Epilepsy.
  • Heart transplant.

Can you be a fat pilot?

Currently, the FAA only allows fat or obese people licenses for pilot-in-command of non-rigid lighter-than-air aircraft, commonly called blimps. There are no licenses for rigid lighter-than-air craft (Zeppelins).

What is a Category 3 medical?

rail medical (CATEGORY 3)

This applies to workers who undertake non-safety critical work and whose health and fitness does not impact directly on the rail network. However, they need to protect their own safety and that of other workers.

Do you need a second class medical to flight instruct?

Just because you don't have a second class medical doesn't mean you can't provide flight instruction. If you don't have a current medical, you can still provide flight instruction as long as you are not acting as PIC or as a required pilot flight crewmember.

What are the different types of medical certificates for pilots?

Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners
  • General Information - Classes of Medical Certificates.
  • First-Class - Airline Transport Pilot.
  • Second-Class - Commercial Pilot; Flight Engineer; Flight Navigator; or Air Traffic Control Tower Operator. (
  • Third-Class - Private Pilot or Recreational Pilot.

How do I start a career in pilot?

Here are the steps you take to become a pilot:
  1. Research Pilot Schools.
  2. Take an Introductory Training Flight.
  3. Apply for FAA Medical Certificate.
  4. Apply for FAA Student Pilot Certificate.
  5. Start Flight Training Lessons.
  6. Pass Private Pilot Knowledge Test.
  7. Pass Private Pilot Practical Exam.

What is a Class 1 medical?

A first-class medical certificate is required for airline transport pilots. This certificate has the most restrictive medical standards. The holder of a medical certificate shall be mentally and physically fit to exercise safely the privileges of the applicable licence.

Can you be a pilot with one eye?

An individual with one eye, or effective visual acuity equivalent to monocular, may be considered for medical certification, any class, through the special issuance section of part 67 (14 CFR 67.401). It is both perfectly safe and perfectly legal to fly with monocular vision.

How do I get a Class 2 medical certificate in India?

Class II medical is the the first step towards a pilot's career.

Class II Medical Examination

  1. Visit this link and go through the list of DGCA examiners.
  2. Fill out relevant forms and get all the tests done, as instructed by your doctor.
  3. The doctor will approve all your reports will send them to DGCA, Delhi for approval.

How much does it cost to become a pilot in USA?

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pilot?
Pilot CertificateCost
Sport Pilot$4,400
Recreational Pilot$6,500
Private Pilot$10,000
Commercial Pilot$30,000

How long does a PPL medical last?

Validity period

If you are aged between 40 and 50 the certificate will be valid for 24 months. Please note that if you are issued with a class 2 medical before you reach 50, it will no longer be valid once you reach 51 years of age. If you are aged 50 or over the certificate will be valid for 12 months.

What is DGCA medical exam?

DGCA has empanelled 20 Air Force Medical Centres, 02 Civil Medical Centres and Class I Medical Examiners for conduct of Class I Medical Licence Examination. (d) The Class-I Renewal medical is usually done within one day. The Class-I Initial Medical may take up to 3 days.

What happens if you fail FAA medical?

What Happens if I Fail? Most people pass the aviation medical exam without a problem. Pilots with certain medical conditions may require a special issuance medical certificate, which means that the doctor must submit your application to the FAA for review.

What is a Class 2 flight physical?

Class 2 medical certificates are for commercial, non-airline duties as well as private pilot duties. The certificate is good for 1 year for commercial activities and 2 or 5 years for private pilot use based on age. Class 1 medical certificates are required for airline transport pilots who fly scheduled airliners.

What medical conditions does the FAA consider disqualifying?

Coronary heart disease that has been treated or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant. Diabetes mellitus requiring hypoglycemic medications. Disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory explanation of cause. Epilepsy.

How much do private pilots make per year?

As of Nov 7, 2020, the average annual pay for a Private Pilot in the United States is $112,741 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $54.20 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,168/week or $9,395/month.

How long does it take to get FAA medical certificate?

Often, the aviation medical examiner will hold the certificate for several days pending receipt of additional information in hopes of issuing a medical certificate to the pilot. The maximum time an AME may hold a medical application before electronically submitting it to the FAA is 14 days.

What is a Class 3 flight physical?

Applicants under 40 usually have to undergo the most basic, third-class medical exam. This entails checking your eyesight, including your peripheral vision, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and color vision. The examiner will also perform a hearing test to determine if you're able to hear at the most basic level.

What are the physical requirements for a pilot?

Medical & physical requirements for pilots from a pilot
  • Beauty, color and Personality/appearance. These three qualities have NO importance in becoming a pilot.
  • Mental Health.
  • Height, weight, BMI, Muscular buildup.
  • Vision/ eye-sight and color perception.
  • Hearing.
  • Speech, voice, tongue.
  • History of surgeries & broken bones.
  • Teeth & gum.

How long does it take to be a pilot?

It takes 3 months to become a pilot and earn your private pilot license. To become an airline pilot, it takes just over two years to gain the required 1,500 hours flight time.

Do air traffic controllers need a medical certificate?

To maintain and enhance aviation safety, a valid medical certificate appropriate for the class of licence is required for the licence holder to legally exercise the privileges of their specific licence. Each class of medical certificate also has a medical standard set out in tables in Part 67 of the CASR.

What is required for FAA medical exam?

A first class medical certificate is required for all pilots involved in commercial aviation. First class medical certificate requirements include checks of eyesight, ears, psychical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), lung function, cholesterol blood, hemoglobin blood, chest X-ray, urine, period of validity.

What does a first class medical exam consist of?

During the medical evaluation you will get a full health examination including vision test, hearing test, heart functioning, blood/urine samples, and a general health exam.

How can I get people?

The process is simple- one must have a minimum of 40 flying hours under one's belt and pass the examinations conducted by the DGCA in ground subjects. Flying training can be obtained from a reputed and recognized flying school. At start, you will have to acquire a SPL (Student Pilot License).