FAA Third Class Medical Exam | Private Pilots | Grand Rapids, MI
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Third Class Medical

FAA Third Class exams for private and recreational flying.

A Third Class medical certificate covers private pilot, recreational pilot, student pilot, and flight instructor privileges. It is the longest-lasting certificate the FAA issues.

Who needs a Third Class certificate

You need at least a Third Class medical certificate to exercise private or recreational pilot privileges, to act as pilot in command or required crewmember as a flight instructor in operations other than glider or balloon, and to exercise student pilot privileges.

The standards are the most accommodating of the three classes, and the certificate lasts the longest. For most private pilots this is a short, routine appointment.

Third Class duration

Measured from the last day of the month your exam took place.

Under 40 at the exam
60 months, or five years
Age 40 or older at the exam
24 months, or two years
Age at exam is what counts
Turning 40 during the validity period does not shorten a certificate issued while you were 39.

Source: 14 CFR 61.23 (eCFR) (opens in new tab)

A routine visit

01
Submit MedXPress first

Your history is already on file when you arrive, which keeps the visit short. Dr. Edmondson recommends reading the FAA's Know Before You Go (opens in new tab) first.

02
Vision and hearing

Including color vision testing on site.

03
Vitals and physical

Blood pressure, pulse, urinalysis, and the FAA physical.

04
Certificate in hand

Qualified applicants are issued at the time of the exam.

Third Class questions

I wear glasses. Is that a problem?+

No. Bring the glasses or contacts you fly with. Corrective lenses are routine and are noted as a limitation on the certificate.

What if I take a daily medication?+

Many medications are acceptable. Report them accurately on MedXPress and bring the details. Accuracy matters far more than omission.

Can I get a First Class exam instead?+

Yes, and some private pilots do. The same certificate covers private privileges for the full Third Class duration.

Wing over a coastline at cruise altitude
Class III

Five years under forty. Plenty of flying in that.