Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer (Post 675159)

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.

Originally Posted by CAFB 04-12 (Post 674051)

Answer: Yes. Link

So, all I need to do is provide the FAA with a copy of my Form 8 to retain currency? And I can fly civilian planes using my AF 1042? Sounds too good to be true.

Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 675315)

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.

Originally Posted by ufgatorpilot (Post 675523)

Flight instruction only requires a third class, not a second class.

Originally Posted by rickair7777 (Post 675639)

As I mentioned in your quote, it does not require any medical at all, if the student is the PIC. If the CFI needs to be the PIC, then he needs a third class.