Originally Posted by
UAL T38 Phlyer
Rickair7777:
Don't you need a Class 3 or 1 to fly commercially? I thought that was true, and a 3rd was only good for Part 91.
Well, I guess Part 91 flying for a Corporate gig might qual, but I've never crossed that bridge.
USMCFLYER is correct in that extremely few military flight docs have been authorized to give Class 1s. Maybe 4-5 total in each service.
At my base, the doc could give you a 3rd class (prior to the rule-change; he had some authorization), and the doc could authorize TriCare to get you a 2nd class, downtown (no flight doc in the area could give a first-class).
The new rule change means the flight doc can issue a 3rd on his own.
Class 3: Recreational (non-compensated) flying only. This means part 91 private-pilot stuff.
Class 2: Legally required for almost any flying which requires a commercial certificate. Exception is that you do not need a medical to flight instruct, as long as the student is rated to act as PIC for the flight.
Class 1: Legally required for any flying which requires an ATP (airline Captain, and probably also airline FO in three years). However many non-121 operations require a first class as a matter of policy, and any airline will require one to get hired initially.