If you are bidding MD-11 F/O, do you have to have a CURRENT 1st class to be AWARDED the seat in the posting?

I thought you just needed to renew it prior to the start of training (MD-11 Training FAQs), but in TA Sec 24 it makes it sound like you have to meet the medical certification to get the seat award upon closing of the bid. Anyone know? My medical is a 2nd (past the 6 months on the 1st class and I only need a 2nd for my current seat). Do I need to get a 1st before the bid closes or just get a 1st before I go to training (date TBD). Thanks.

TA Sec 24.
3. Certification Requirements

b. Prior to being awarded a First Officer crew position, a pilot must possess a current FAA medical certificate for that crew position, as provided in Section 15.A., and at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate (Airplane Multi-Engine Land with an Instrument Rating).

d. If a pilot receives an award but does not possess the requisite certifications as described in Section 24.A.3.a., A.3.b. or A.3.c. (above), he may be removed from that award and, if removed, shall remain in his current crew position. A crew position which becomes vacant as a result of application of this paragraph shall be addressed as provided in Section 24.C.7.


MD-11 Training FAQ
What certificates and documents do I need for MD-11 training?

Bring your pilot certificate and current 1st class medical. First Officers must have an ATP certificate or ATP valid written test. You will also need a current Passport and China Visa prior to beginning IOE.

I’ve been awarded a First Officer bid on the MD-11. I have a first class medical that is over six months old. Do I need to get another medical?

Yes. Since you will receive a type rating at the end of your MD-11 training, you will need a valid first-class medical with first-class privileges.

Based on nothing more than the FAQ's, I'd say that you need a 1st class the day you start your training, and not anytime before that. Certainly your current class of physical has nothing to do with being awarded a seat in a new bid.

You don't need a current 1st class medical to Bid and be awarded an MD-11FO vacancy.

As Jetjok said, you will need a current 1st class in training. Actually you won't need it until the day before your FAA Oral and Type Check ride.

Having a current 1st class medical in hand on Day 1 when you start training is probably the prudent thing to do.

BTW, You probably already know this but as an MD-11 FO you will need to keep your 1st class medical current, which means to the Flight Quack every 6 months..............just as you would if you were a Capt. Good Luck on the Bid.....whenever it comes

I had knee surgery in sept 03, was due to start class dec 03, one of the guys in training(the guy that ran the first day, when you got your jepps, think his initals were S.P.) said I needed the first class med by the time I started class, I doubt that has changed. Also, bring your passport, on the first day you can fill out all the forms for the various visas you'll need before IOE(China, India and France are the ones I can think of), it takes a while to get those, good thing training is 3 months long...