Originally Posted by
WMU05
I believe I understand these medicals requirements, however I want some verification. I got a first class medical on 1/3/08 - thus with the new rules it would be valid until 1/30/09 with me being under 40. However, since I need a second class medical for commercial operations before or after 1/30/09 I would need a new get a new 2nd class medical. Since, there is not a step down from first to second like there used to be. Is my understanding correct??
The step down still exists for those over 40. For those under 40, the first class just extends to cover the footprint of the stepdown. For any age pilot, a first class reverts to third class privileges after 12 months.
Your current medical would be good for first class to 1/30/2009. After that you need a new first (or second) for commercial ops. If you're not an airline CA, nothing has changed for you...you still need a medical exam every 12 months.
Originally Posted by
WMU05
Also is the 2nd class medical cheaper than the 1st class medical, or
did they convert to the same price for both medicals since they only last one year
The price is set by the AME, not the FAA. The price has nothing to do with the duration, it is based on the amount work the AME does. Since the scope of the exam is the same for both first and second class, I would expect the price to be the same, except you get charged extra for an EKG if needed.