FAA Medical Licenses

Student Pilot Certificate

Requires: Third‑Class Medical (60 or 24 months)
A Student Pilot Certificate allows an individual to begin formal flight training and conduct solo flights once endorsed by an instructor. To exercise solo privileges, students must hold at least a Third‑Class Medical Certificate, which is valid for 60 months for pilots under 40 and 24 months for pilots 40 and older. This ensures students meet the FAA’s baseline health and fitness standards as they build foundational skills.

Sport Pilot Certificate

Requires: Driver’s License (No FAA Medical)
The Sport Pilot Certificate is designed for recreational flying in light‑sport aircraft and does not require an FAA medical certificate. Instead, pilots may use a valid U.S. driver’s license as evidence of medical fitness, provided they have not been denied an FAA medical. This makes it one of the most accessible entry points into aviation while still maintaining safety oversight.

Recreational Pilot Certificate

Requires: Third‑Class Medical (60 or 24 months)
The Recreational Pilot Certificate offers more capability than a Sport Pilot but with limitations on distance, passengers, and operating conditions. Pilots must hold a Third‑Class Medical Certificate, valid for 60 months if under 40 or 24 months if 40 or older. This ensures pilots meet essential health standards for safe personal flying.

Private Pilot Certificate (PPL)

Requires: Third‑Class Medical (60 or 24 months)
The Private Pilot Certificate is the most common FAA license, allowing individuals to fly for personal or business travel and carry passengers. A Third‑Class Medical Certificate is required, valid for 60 months for pilots under 40 and 24 months for those 40 and older. This certificate supports a wide range of non‑commercial flying activities while ensuring pilots meet the FAA’s general medical fitness requirements.

Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL)

Requires: Second‑Class Medical (12 months)
A Commercial Pilot Certificate authorizes pilots to be compensated for flying, including charter operations, aerial work, cargo flights, and more. Pilots must hold a Second‑Class Medical Certificate, which is valid for 12 months for commercial privileges regardless of age. After 12 months, it automatically reverts to Third‑Class privileges for the remainder of its validity period.

Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP)

Requires: First‑Class Medical (6 or 12 months)
The Airline Transport Pilot Certificate is the highest level of FAA certification and is required for airline captains and first officers. ATP pilots must hold a First‑Class Medical Certificate, valid for 12 months for pilots under 40 and 6 months for pilots 40 and older when exercising ATP privileges. After this period, it downgrades to Second‑Class and then Third‑Class privileges for the remainder of its total validity. This ensures the highest medical standards for pilots operating in demanding airline environments.

Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)

Requires: No FAA Medical
The Remote Pilot Certificate authorizes commercial drone operations under FAA Part 107. No FAA medical certificate is required; instead, pilots must pass a knowledge test and self‑certify that they are physically and mentally fit to operate a drone safely.

World Wide Pilots Recommendation

For student pilots who plan to pursue a Commercial Pilot Certificate or eventually an ATP, we recommend obtaining a First‑Class Medical Certificate early in their training. Doing so provides peace of mind by confirming that they meet the highest FAA medical standards before investing significant time and resources into advanced training. This proactive step helps avoid unexpected medical limitations later in the certification process.