{"id":1004382,"date":"2024-04-10T23:37:24","date_gmt":"2024-04-10T23:37:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/?p=1004382"},"modified":"2024-04-10T23:37:24","modified_gmt":"2024-04-10T23:37:24","slug":"third-class-medical-certificate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/third-class-medical-certificate\/","title":{"rendered":"Third-Class Medical Certificate"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>A third-class medical certificate, commonly referred to as a third-class medical, is a certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to pilots in the United States. This medical certificate is specifically designed for pilots who operate aircraft under certain conditions, such as for recreational flying, flight instruction, or pursuing a private pilot license (PPL).<\/p>\n<p>The third-class medical certificate ensures that the pilot meets the minimum medical standards necessary for safe flight operations. It assesses various aspects of the pilot&#8217;s health, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, general physical condition, and mental fitness. Pilots must undergo a medical examination by an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to obtain this certification.<\/p>\n<p>The third-class medical certificate is a requirement for pilots seeking a <a href=\"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/how-to-get-a-private-pilot-license\/\">private pilot license<\/a> (PPL) or operating certain types of aircraft for non-commercial purposes. It serves as a crucial component of ensuring aviation safety by confirming that pilots are physically and mentally fit to operate aircraft responsibly.<\/p>\n<h3>Operations Requiring Third-Class Medical<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"psection-3\">When exercising the privileges of a private pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, or student pilot certificate, except when operating under the conditions and limitations.<\/li>\n<li class=\"psection-3\">When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate and acting as the\u00a0pilot in command\u00a0or as a required\u00a0flightcrew member.<\/li>\n<li class=\"psection-3\">When taking a\u00a0practical test\u00a0in an\u00a0aircraft for a recreational pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot, or airline transport pilot certificate, or for a flight instructor certificate.<\/li>\n<li class=\"psection-3\">When performing the duties as an\u00a0Examiner\u00a0in an\u00a0aircraft\u00a0when administering a\u00a0practical test\u00a0or proficiency check for an airman certificate,\u00a0rating, or authorization.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Duration of Third Class Medical Certificate<\/h3>\n<p>A third-class medical certificate is valid for a specified duration, depending on the age of the pilot:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Under 40 years old: A third-class medical certificate is valid for 60 months.<\/li>\n<li>40 years old and over: A third-class medical certificate is valid for 24 months.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>Application Process<\/h3>\n<p>The application process for a third-class medical certificate involves several steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>MedXpress: Pilots are required to complete FAA Form 8500-8, also known as the Application for Airman Medical Certificate. This form collects personal and medical history information. You can complete this form online through the FAA&#8217;s MedXpress website.<\/li>\n<li>Locate an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME): Pilots must schedule an appointment with an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to undergo the medical examination. The cost of the exam is not set by the FAA, so it may be anywhere from $75-$200 depending on where you live.<\/li>\n<li>Medical Examination: During the medical examination, the AME will assess various aspects of the pilot&#8217;s health, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness.<\/li>\n<li>Submission and Review: Once the examination is complete, the AME will submit the medical certificate application to the FAA for review. With you potentially leaving the doctor&#8217;s office with your medical certificate in hand barring any underlying medical issues.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>MedXpress<\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/medxpress.faa.gov\/MedXpress\/Disclaimer.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">FAA MedXPress system\u00a0<\/a>allows anyone requiring an FAA Medical Clearance or Medical Certificate to electronically complete the FAA Form 8500-8. Information entered into MedXPress will be available for your FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to review at the time of your medical examination.<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-1004361 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basicmed-1-300x202.jpg\" alt=\"Third-class medical\" width=\"300\" height=\"202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basicmed-1-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basicmed-1-768x518.jpg 768w, https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/basicmed-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3 data-hierarchy-metadata=\"{&quot;path&quot;:&quot;\/current\/title-14\/part-67\/subpart-D&quot;,&quot;citation&quot;:&quot;14 CFR Part 67 Subpart D&quot;,&quot;alternate_reference&quot;:&quot;FAR Part 67 Subpart D&quot;}\">Third-Class Medical Requirments<\/h3>\n<div id=\"67.301\" class=\"section\">\n<p>To be eligible for a third-class airman medical certificate, or to remain eligible for a third-class airman medical certificate, a person must meet the requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"67.303\" class=\"section\">\n<h6 data-hierarchy-metadata=\"{&quot;path&quot;:&quot;\/current\/title-14\/section-67.303&quot;,&quot;citation&quot;:&quot;14 CFR 67.303&quot;,&quot;alternate_reference&quot;:&quot;FAR 67.303&quot;}\">Eye<\/h6>\n<p>Eye standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are:<\/p>\n<div id=\"p-67.303(a)\">\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0Distant visual acuity of 20\/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) are necessary for 20\/40 vision, the person may be eligible only on the condition that corrective lenses are worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.303(b)\">\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a0Near vision of 20\/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at 16 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.303(c)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.303(c)\">Ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.303(d)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.303(d)\">No acute or chronic pathological condition of either eye or adnexa that interferes with the proper function of an eye, that may reasonably be expected to progress to that degree, or that may reasonably be expected to be aggravated by flying.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"67.305\" class=\"section\">\n<h6 data-hierarchy-metadata=\"{&quot;path&quot;:&quot;\/current\/title-14\/section-67.305&quot;,&quot;citation&quot;:&quot;14 CFR 67.305&quot;,&quot;alternate_reference&quot;:&quot;FAR 67.305&quot;}\">Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium<\/h6>\n<p>Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are:<\/p>\n<div id=\"p-67.305(a)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.305(a)\">The person shall demonstrate acceptable hearing by at least one of the following tests:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"p-67.305(a)(1)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.305(a)(1)\">Demonstrate an ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using both ears, at a distance of 6 feet from the examiner, with the back turned to the examiner.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.305(a)(2)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.305(a)(2)\">\u00a0Demonstrate an acceptable understanding of speech as determined by audiometric speech discrimination testing to a score of at least 70 percent obtained in one ear or in a sound field environment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.305(a)(3)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.305(a)(3)\">\u00a0Provide acceptable results of pure tone audiometric testing of unaided hearing acuity according to the following table of worst acceptable thresholds, using the calibration standards of the American National Standards Institute, 1969:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"table-wrapper\" data-max-width=\"676\" data-margin-left=\"94\" data-table-wrapper-width=\"615\" data-thead-height=\"41\" data-is-wide-table=\"false\">\n<div class=\"expand-table-positioning-wrapper hidden-print\"><\/div>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Frequency (Hz)<\/th>\n<th>500 Hz<\/th>\n<th>1000 Hz<\/th>\n<th>2000 Hz<\/th>\n<th>3000 Hz<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"align-left\">Better ear (Db)<\/td>\n<td class=\"align-right\">35<\/td>\n<td class=\"align-right\">30<\/td>\n<td class=\"align-right\">30<\/td>\n<td class=\"align-right\">40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td class=\"align-left\">Poorer ear (Db)<\/td>\n<td class=\"align-right\">35<\/td>\n<td class=\"align-right\">50<\/td>\n<td class=\"align-right\">50<\/td>\n<td class=\"align-right\">60<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.305(b)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.305(b)\">\u00a0No disease or condition of the middle or internal ear, nose, oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx that\u2014<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"p-67.305(b)(1)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.305(b)(1)\">Interferes with, or is aggravated by, flying or may reasonably be expected to do so; or<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.305(b)(2)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.305(b)(2)\">Interferes with clear and effective speech communication.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.305(c)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.305(c)\">No disease or condition manifested by, or that may reasonably be expected to be manifested by, vertigo or a disturbance of equilibrium.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h5>Mental<\/h5>\n<p>Mental standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are:<\/p>\n<div id=\"p-67.307(a)\">\n<p>No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(1)\">A personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(2)\">\u00a0A psychosis. As used in this section, \u201cpsychosis\u201d refers to a mental disorder in which\u2014<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"p-67.307(a)(2)(i)\">\n<ol>\n<li class=\"indent-3\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(2)(i)\">The individual has manifested delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of this condition; or2.<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-3\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(2)(i)\">The individual may reasonably be expected to manifest delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of this condition.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(3)\">\u00a0A bipolar disorder.<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(4)\">Substance dependence, except where there is established clinical evidence, satisfactory to the Federal Air Surgeon, of recovery, including sustained total abstinence from the substance(s) for not less than the preceding 2 years. As used in this section\u2014<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"p-67.307(a)(4)(i)\">\n<ol>\n<li class=\"indent-3\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(4)(i)\">\u00a0\u201cSubstance\u201d includes: alcohol; other sedatives and hypnotics; anxiolytics; opioids; central nervous system stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and similarly acting sympathomimetics; hallucinogens; phencyclidine or similarly acting arylcyclohexylamines; cannabis; inhalants; and other psychoactive drugs and chemicals; and2.<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-3\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(4)(i)\">\u201cSubstance dependence\u201d means a condition in which a person is dependent on a substance, other than tobacco or ordinary xanthine-containing (e.g., caffeine) beverages, as evidenced by\u2014<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.307(a)(4)(ii)\">\n<div id=\"p-67.307(a)(4)(ii)(A)\">\n<ol>\n<li class=\"indent-4\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(4)(ii)(A)\">\u00a0Increased tolerance;<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-4\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(4)(ii)(A)\">Manifestation of withdrawal symptoms;<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-4\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(4)(ii)(A)\">Impaired control of use; or<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-4\" data-title=\"67.307(a)(4)(ii)(A)\">Continued use despite damage to physical health or impairment of social, personal, or occupational functioning.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.307(b)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.307(b)\">\u00a0No substance abuse within the preceding 2 years is defined as:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.307(b)(1)\">Use of a substance in a situation in which that use was physically hazardous, if there has been at any other time an instance of the use of a substance also in a situation in which that use was physically hazardous;<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.307(b)(1)\">A verified positive drug test result, an alcohol test result of 0.04 or greater alcohol concentration, or a refusal to submit to a drug or alcohol test required by the U.S. Department of Transportation or an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation; or<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.307(b)(1)\">Misuse of a substance that the Federal Air Surgeon, based on case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the substance involved, finds\u2014<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div id=\"p-67.307(b)(3)(i)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-3\" data-title=\"67.307(b)(3)(i)\">\u00a0Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.307(b)(3)(ii)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-3\" data-title=\"67.307(b)(3)(ii)\">May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the airman medical certificate applied for or held, to make the person unable to perform those duties or exercise those privileges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.307(c)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.307(c)\">No other personality disorder, neurosis, or other mental condition that the Federal Air Surgeon, based on the case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the condition involved, finds\u2014<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"p-67.307(c)(1)\">\n<ol>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.307(c)(1)\">\u00a0Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or2.<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.307(c)(1)\">May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the airman medical certificate applied for or held, to make the person unable to perform those duties or exercise those privileges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.307(c)(2)\">\n<h6 data-hierarchy-metadata=\"{&quot;path&quot;:&quot;\/current\/title-14\/section-67.311&quot;,&quot;citation&quot;:&quot;14 CFR 67.311&quot;,&quot;alternate_reference&quot;:&quot;FAR 67.311&quot;}\">Neurologic<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"67.309\" class=\"section\">\n<p>Neurologic standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are:<\/p>\n<div id=\"p-67.309(a)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.309(a)\">No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"p-67.309(a)(1)\">\n<ol>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.309(a)(1)\">Epilepsy;<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.309(a)(1)\">A disturbance of consciousness without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause; or<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.309(a)(1)\">A transient loss of control of nervous system function(s) without satisfactory medical explanation of the cause.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.309(a)(1)\">No other seizure disorder, disturbance of consciousness, or neurologic condition that the Federal Air Surgeon, based on the case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the condition involved, finds\u2014Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.309(a)(2)\"><\/div>\n<ol>\n<li id=\"p-67.309(a)(3)\">Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or<\/li>\n<li>May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the airman medical certificate applied for or held, to make the person unable to perform those duties or exercise those privileges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"67.311\" class=\"section\">\n<h6 data-hierarchy-metadata=\"{&quot;path&quot;:&quot;\/current\/title-14\/section-67.311&quot;,&quot;citation&quot;:&quot;14 CFR 67.311&quot;,&quot;alternate_reference&quot;:&quot;FAR 67.311&quot;}\">Cardiovascular.<\/h6>\n<p>Cardiovascular standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following:<\/p>\n<div id=\"p-67.311(a)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.311(a)\">Myocardial infarction;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.311(b)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.311(b)\">Angina pectoris;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.311(c)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.311(c)\">Coronary heart disease that has required treatment or, if untreated, that has been symptomatic or clinically significant;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.311(d)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.311(d)\">Cardiac valve replacement;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.311(e)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.311(e)\">Permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation; or<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.311(f)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.311(f)\">Heart replacement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"67.313\" class=\"section\">\n<h6 data-hierarchy-metadata=\"{&quot;path&quot;:&quot;\/current\/title-14\/section-67.313&quot;,&quot;citation&quot;:&quot;14 CFR 67.313&quot;,&quot;alternate_reference&quot;:&quot;FAR 67.313&quot;}\">General medical condition<\/h6>\n<p>The general medical standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are:<\/p>\n<div id=\"p-67.313(a)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.313(a)\">\u00a0No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus that requires insulin or any other hypoglycemic drug for control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.313(b)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.313(b)\">No other organic, functional, or structural disease, defect, or limitation that the Federal Air Surgeon, based on the case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the condition involved, finds\u2014<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"p-67.313(b)(1)\">\n<ol>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.313(b)(1)\">Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.313(b)(1)\">May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the airman medical certificate applied for or held, to make the person unable to perform those duties or exercise those privileges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.313(b)(2)\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"p-67.313(c)\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"indent-1\" data-title=\"67.313(c)\">No medication or other treatment that the Federal Air Surgeon, based on the case history and appropriate, qualified medical judgment relating to the medication or other treatment involved, finds\u2014<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"p-67.313(c)(1)\">\n<ol>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.313(c)(1)\">Makes the person unable to safely perform the duties or exercise the privileges of the airman certificate applied for or held; or<\/li>\n<li class=\"indent-2\" data-title=\"67.313(c)(1)\">May reasonably be expected, for the maximum duration of the airman medical certificate applied for or held, to make the person unable to perform those duties or exercise those privileges.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"67.315\" class=\"section\">\n<h3>Special Issuances<\/h3>\n<p>In some cases, pilots with disqualifying medical conditions may be eligible for a Special Issuance medical certificate. A Special Issuance allows pilots to fly under certain conditions and with additional oversight from the FAA. Pilots seeking a Special Issuance must provide detailed medical documentation and may be required to undergo additional testing or evaluations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Obtaining a third-class medical certificate is a crucial first step for aspiring pilots pursuing a private pilot license. Understanding the FAA&#8217;s medical requirements, the application process, examination procedures, and disqualifying factors is essential for ensuring a smooth certification process. By adhering to the FAA&#8217;s medical standards and seeking guidance from qualified medical professionals when necessary, pilots can maintain their health and safety while enjoying the privileges of flight.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A third-class medical certificate, commonly referred to as a third-class medical, is a certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to pilots in the United States. This medical certificate is specifically designed for pilots who operate aircraft under certain conditions, such as for recreational flying, flight instruction, or pursuing a private pilot license (PPL). The third-class medical certificate ensures that the pilot meets the minimum medical standards necessary for safe flight operations. It assesses various aspects of the pilot&#8217;s health, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, general physical condition, and mental fitness. Pilots must undergo a medical examination by an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to obtain this certification. The third-class medical certificate is a requirement for pilots seeking a private pilot license (PPL) or operating certain types of aircraft for non-commercial purposes. It serves as a crucial component of ensuring aviation safety by confirming that pilots are physically and mentally fit to operate aircraft responsibly. Operations Requiring Third-Class Medical When exercising the privileges of a private pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, or student pilot certificate, except when operating under the conditions and limitations. When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate and acting as the\u00a0pilot in command\u00a0or as a required\u00a0flightcrew member. When taking a\u00a0practical test\u00a0in an\u00a0aircraft for a recreational pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot, or airline transport pilot certificate, or for a flight instructor certificate. When performing the duties as an\u00a0Examiner\u00a0in an\u00a0aircraft\u00a0when administering a\u00a0practical test\u00a0or proficiency check for an airman certificate,\u00a0rating, or authorization. Duration of Third Class Medical Certificate A third-class medical certificate is valid for a specified duration, depending on the age of the pilot: Under 40 years old: A third-class medical certificate is valid for 60 months. 40 years old and over: A third-class medical certificate is valid for 24 months. Application Process The application process for a third-class medical certificate involves several steps: MedXpress: Pilots are required to complete FAA Form 8500-8, also known as the Application for Airman Medical Certificate. This form collects personal and medical history information. You can complete this form online through the FAA&#8217;s MedXpress website. Locate an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME): Pilots must schedule an appointment with an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to undergo the medical examination. The cost of the exam is not set by the FAA, so it may be anywhere from $75-$200 depending on where you live. Medical Examination: During the medical examination, the AME will assess various aspects of the pilot&#8217;s health, including vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and overall fitness. Submission and Review: Once the examination is complete, the AME will submit the medical certificate application to the FAA for review. With you potentially leaving the doctor&#8217;s office with your medical certificate in hand barring any underlying medical issues. MedXpress The FAA MedXPress system\u00a0allows anyone requiring an FAA Medical Clearance or Medical Certificate to electronically complete the FAA Form 8500-8. Information entered into MedXPress will be available for your FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to review at the time of your medical examination. Third-Class Medical Requirments To be eligible for a third-class airman medical certificate, or to remain eligible for a third-class airman medical certificate, a person must meet the requirements. Eye Eye standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are: \u00a0Distant visual acuity of 20\/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. If corrective lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) are necessary for 20\/40 vision, the person may be eligible only on the condition that corrective lenses are worn while exercising the privileges of an airman certificate. \u00a0Near vision of 20\/40 or better, Snellen equivalent, at 16 inches in each eye separately, with or without corrective lenses. Ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties. No acute or chronic pathological condition of either eye or adnexa that interferes with the proper function of an eye, that may reasonably be expected to progress to that degree, or that may reasonably be expected to be aggravated by flying. Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium Ear, nose, throat, and equilibrium standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are: The person shall demonstrate acceptable hearing by at least one of the following tests: Demonstrate an ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using both ears, at a distance of 6 feet from the examiner, with the back turned to the examiner. \u00a0Demonstrate an acceptable understanding of speech as determined by audiometric speech discrimination testing to a score of at least 70 percent obtained in one ear or in a sound field environment. \u00a0Provide acceptable results of pure tone audiometric testing of unaided hearing acuity according to the following table of worst acceptable thresholds, using the calibration standards of the American National Standards Institute, 1969: Frequency (Hz) 500 Hz 1000 Hz 2000 Hz 3000 Hz Better ear (Db) 35 30 30 40 Poorer ear (Db) 35 50 50 60 \u00a0No disease or condition of the middle or internal ear, nose, oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx that\u2014 Interferes with, or is aggravated by, flying or may reasonably be expected to do so; or Interferes with clear and effective speech communication. No disease or condition manifested by, or that may reasonably be expected to be manifested by, vertigo or a disturbance of equilibrium. Mental Mental standards for a third-class airman medical certificate are: No established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the following: A personality disorder that is severe enough to have repeatedly manifested itself by overt acts. \u00a0A psychosis. As used in this section, \u201cpsychosis\u201d refers to a mental disorder in which\u2014 The individual has manifested delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of this condition; or2. The individual may reasonably be expected to manifest delusions, hallucinations, grossly bizarre or disorganized behavior, or other commonly accepted symptoms of this condition. \u00a0A bipolar disorder. Substance dependence, except where there is established clinical evidence, satisfactory to the Federal Air Surgeon, of recovery, including sustained total abstinence from the substance(s) for not less than<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[1000155,43,146,1000190,1000187,1000170,67,49,1000168,1000186],"class_list":["post-1004382","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-private-pilot","tag-aviation","tag-become-a-pilot","tag-faa","tag-faa-medxpress","tag-flight-medical","tag-flight-training","tag-private-pilot","tag-private-pilot-license","tag-student-pilot","tag-third-class-medical"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1004382","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1004382"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1004382\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1004414,"href":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1004382\/revisions\/1004414"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1004382"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1004382"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fly8ma.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1004382"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}