Part 91 requirements
 

I've been moving planes for a few years. An issue came up recently about the medical requirements for this. These are transport category aircraft that require two pilots. It is done under Part 91. My understanding is that though I have an ATP I am only exercising commercial privileges. This requires a 2nd class medical. A 1st class medical is not required. Is this correct?

Yup. An ATP is not required for 91 operations. The issue is not the size or type of aircraft, but rather that of operating scheduled service to the unsuspecting public.

A 30-seat turboprop flown under 121 DOES require an ATP.

A 747 could be flown by a (type rated) private pilot if he was doing it for fun.

An exception mught be if you work for a 121 carrier and conduct 91 operations under their OPSPEC.

And the medical follows the exercise of the particular privilege. 1st class only for exercising the privileges of an ATP and 2nd class for exercising the priviledge of a commercial. That's good because I'd hate to have to spend the extra for the 1st class. Thanks for the response.

Rickair, you forgot to mention the private pilot who flies the 747 is either filthy rich or about to have his plane seized by the bank :P