Applying with a 3rd class medical

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10-15-2021, 03:20 PM

Tailwindsareamyth

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Applying with a 3rd class medical

Hi, this discussion is mostly for any recruiters or other people in the know on here but other participants are welcome and comment appreciated.

I’m getting closer to my ATP mins and want to start planning for my career and have some security and hopefully have a smooth transition after reaching the mins.

I currently have a third class medical, and for reasons that are not worth getting into, I’m waiting for the FAA to get back to me about my upgrade to first class.

My question is this…. What is the likelihood of me receiving any call backs/interviews/job offers if I have a third class medical. I have every expectation of getting the first class, it’s just nothing the FAA does to help a pilot moves quickly.

Thanks in advance

10-15-2021, 03:33 PM

rickair7777

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Probably Zero %. Although you never know with regionals, if they're desperate enough. You'd probably have to talk to a live person, the computer app should filter out anyone without a 1C.

10-15-2021, 03:51 PM

Excargodog

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So you are asking them to recruit you for a job they can’t legally allow you to perform?

I don’t think they are that desperate yet.

10-15-2021, 03:58 PM

Tailwindsareamyth

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Applying with a 3rd class medical

Quote:

Originally Posted by Excargodog

So you are asking them to recruit you for a job they can’t legally allow you to perform?

I don’t think they are that desperate yet.

I’m not looking to be hired and start flying, I’m simply looking to start the process and hopefully get a conditional job offer.

Just like those who don’t have ATP mins are getting job offers even though they legally are not aloud to fly for the airline.

Last edited by Tailwindsareamyth; 10-15-2021 at 04:17 PM.

10-15-2021, 06:12 PM

QRH Bingo

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gammon89

. . . Just like those who don’t have ATP mins are getting job offers even though they legally are not aloud to fly for the airline.

Swing and a miss with that response. You're comparing apples to oranges there.
Someone who already has the 1st class medical but short the hours CAN get the time. Someone who has the time but not a 1st class medical MIGHT NOT be able to get one... and airlines know this.
Are you able to obtain a second class without much hassle? Why not look into some 135 ops.

10-15-2021, 07:37 PM

cons

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gammon89

I have heard of applicants apply for airline jobs without a 1st class medical, with the ability to obtain a first class medical as required. Many 135 operations require only a 2nd class, CFIs only need a 3rd class, thus they didn't have a 1st class medical at the time of applying for the airline job. Some airline apps ask about your current medical class, and if it is not a 1st class, then they will ask if you have the ability to obtain a 1st class. However, since you currently do not have the ability to obtain a 1st class medical, you would not be qualified for a pilot position at an airline. Thus, until you actually have the ability to obtain a 1st class medical, I personally wouldn't apply. Just keep hounding the FAA, AME, flight surgeon, OKC, or whomever you're dealing with to get back to you on this ASAP. GL

10-16-2021, 03:10 AM

JohnBurke

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gammon89

Airlines cannot hire those who do not meet the legal qualifications for the job, and there is no possibility that you will receive a "conditional job offer" if you lack the qualifications to apply.

If you're not looking to be hired or to start flying, there is zero possibility that you will be considered.

Who is getting job offers, when unqualified for the job? Are you confusing lacking an ATP, and not meeting ATP minimums?

10-16-2021, 06:19 AM

Excargodog

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Yet another example of why anyone desiring a CAREER in aviation to get an initial first class medical. The FAA treats third class medical s much like they do homebuilt/experimental aircraft. If it’s simply your own life you are risking, they take a fairly laissez faire attitude toward letting you do what you want to do. If you are going to put others at risk, in large numbers and for commercial gain, they get more strict. Better to find out early if they are going to give you a first class than when you are sitting there having invested years of your life and a hundred thousand dollars. The risk that you will someday lose it is real enough when you have it in your wallet already. That’s why we get LTD. spending the money on training without knowing you qualify to begin with is…unwise.

10-16-2021, 07:34 AM

rickair7777

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Quote:

Originally Posted by cons

I have heard of applicants apply for airline jobs without a 1st class medical, with the ability to obtain a first class medical as required.

I could imagine a possible accommodation for someone who was overseas with no access to an FAA 1C AME (mil or expat). I imagine they'd want you to have an expired 1C in the past.