Lapsing of the FAA medical. When to renew?
 

Hey everyone, wanted to gather some advice on this. Been almost 5 years since my last 1st class FAA medical was issued(been flying overseas so didn't need it). It has turned into a 3rd class now, and will expire very soon.

Would you recommend I go do a new medical before this 3rd class I have now expires, or is it totally fine if I do the exam after it is expired? Any caveats I should be aware of?

Thanks.

There are absolutely no downsides to letting your FAA medical lapse, other than not being able to fly while it’s expired. IOW, whether you take the exam now or after it lapses, it’s the same exam with the same standards.

I assume you’re flying now under a foreign ticket with a foreign medical clearance.

Yes I am. Thanks for the reply.

One additional question.

I’m over 40 so I did my medical in December with an ECG. I decided to let my medical expire by one day and renewed it the first day of the month after expiration.
Will it still expire at the original month of December because of the ECG or did I gain a month by letting it lapse?

You gained a month. They do not track EKGs separately.

From your prior posting history I’m assuming you’re working out of the EU.
There should be quite a few “dual rated” Medical examiners that can sign off a FAA First Class Medical concurrently with an EASA medical.
Should be able to find them through the FAA website.