New Medical Rules
 

Can someone help, I'm slightly confused by the new medical rules that came out a few months ago. My medical was done as a first class at 11/15/07. With the new rules, does the first class extend to 11/15/08, then downgrade to a 2nd class for a year, or does it extend as a first class to 11/15/08 then downgrade to a third class? I'm slightly confused by this and the AOPA chart. Any help would be appreciated.


Edit: Actually, I guess this should go in the Pilot Health section. Sorry.

Close. It now good for 12 calendar months as a first class instead of 6. So yours wouldnt be a valid first class after 11/30/08. After that it downgrades.

Thanks Emb. I guess I wasn't clear in my original question. It downgrades to what? Is it still good as a 2nd class for a year after that?

My understanding is that your first class is good for one year. Same if you were originally issued at second class. After that, you need a knew medical. It does not downgrade from first to second anymore

Check out the regs. Part 61.23.

Basically both first and second class medicals are good for one year (if you're under 40).


In the past you could use an expired first as a second out to 12 months. Since they are now both the same duration, the second does not extend beyond the first.

If you are an FO you still need a medical each year.

I have a follow up question on this subject. I have a first class medical which I received in November of 07. I am only a private pilot, when is the next time I would have to get a new medical?

november 2010 as long as your under 40. u just need a third for rec flying and for obtaining other ratings.

From what I understand, if you are under 40, you should be all set for 60 months from your 1st class , if all you're doing is private pilot (3rd class)flying.

You can use that (first class) certificate as first class or second class for one year. After that it becomes a third class. Under the new rules a third class is good for 60 months (under 40). Take a look at
Medical Certification

I believe I understand these medicals requirements, however I want some verification. I got a first class medical on 1/3/08 - thus with the new rules it would be valid until 1/30/09 with me being under 40. However, since I need a second class medical for commercial operations before or after 1/30/09 I would need a new get a new 2nd class medical. Since, there is not a step down from first to second like there used to be. Is my understanding correct??

[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']Also is the 2nd class medical cheaper than the 1st class medical, or [/FONT]
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif'][/FONT]
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']did they convert to the same price for both medicals since they only [/FONT]
[FONT='Calibri','sans-serif']last one year[/FONT]

The step down still exists for those over 40. For those under 40, the first class just extends to cover the footprint of the stepdown. For any age pilot, a first class reverts to third class privileges after 12 months.

Your current medical would be good for first class to 1/30/2009. After that you need a new first (or second) for commercial ops. If you're not an airline CA, nothing has changed for you...you still need a medical exam every 12 months.


The price is set by the AME, not the FAA. The price has nothing to do with the duration, it is based on the amount work the AME does. Since the scope of the exam is the same for both first and second class, I would expect the price to be the same, except you get charged extra for an EKG if needed.