1st class medical, what do you do with it?
 

I just went and got my FAA 1st class medical, passed just fine.

However, what do I do with it now that I have it? I have the certificate and a copy of the Form 8500-8, but as far as I can tell, the only record of this physical is in my hands and on file at the doctor's office.

Does anything need to be sent to the FAA?

Do I just hang onto the certificate like any other certificate and present it upon request? Is this something you keep in your wallet or flight bag?

The doctor sends it into the FAA. You must keep the certificate with you when you are acting as a pilot, just like your license.

Ever take any ground school?

He probably decided to get the medical BEFORE spending money on training...

Then wouldn't his medical have been a student pilot certificate?

I'm military, took the military competence over 7 years ago when I got my wings, haven't touched anything civilian since then. Military competence test gave me a commercial, instrument, and multi limited to center thrust, and not much else of anything useful.

I still have about a year to go, but am trying to knock everything out I can that might present a snag before I find myself both unemployed and unemployable.

Ahh. Sorry about my snippy comment, then.:o

But, yeah, you're good to go. Just carry it as you would your license. Are you aware of the class limits on the medical, i.e. the 1st class can only be used where a 1st class is required for 6 months, where it then lapses to a 2nd class if a new physical is not taken, etc.? This generally is only a concern if you are acting as a 135/121 turbine PIC requiring a type-rating, which it sounds like you are a ways off from.

Anyway, I'm babbling. Thanks for the service.:)

No worries.

Yes, and it sucks buying a medical that will expire before I even need to use it, but the alternative is waiting only to find out I need to request a waiver for something I wasn't aware I needed since I've never had an FAA medical done. Fortunately I passed and didn't need a waiver, but I'd rather find that out now. See the post here recently by SteamJet.

And you're quite welcome.

just update it annually... keep it in your wallet next to your license (or in your case Safe)... carry it when you fly/jumpseat.