The SMA evaluates vision, hearing, general health, and cardiovascular health. The AME will also attempt to determine if the applicant has any condition that could cause the pilot to become incapacitated during the flight or any other reason to deny the medical certificate. A third-class medical exam is the least invasive and is best suited for student pilots or private pilots. A first-class medical certificate has the highest standards and is generally best suited for airline pilots.
Many AMEs are pilots who love to talk about their experiences, both through the lens of a pilot and a doctor. Pilots must renew their first-class medical certificate periodically, which varies depending on the person's age and the type of pilot certificate they hold. People who exercise private pilot privilege under BasicMed (or who exercise any pilot privilege on a balloon or glider) are not required to have a medical certificate. Although a medical certificate is not required to take flight classes, a medical certificate is required if a student pilot wants to fly alone, which is a mandatory training phase to obtain either of the two pilot certificates.
BasicMed is an alternative way for pilots to fly without an FAA medical certificate if they meet certain requirements, such as having an American driver's license and having obtained a medical exam after July 14, 2000. However, this medical certificate does grant the privileges of being the second in command of an air transport license, in addition to those associated with a commercial pilot's license. A third-class medical certificate is required for a private or recreational pilot and does not apply to aviators operating in exchange for compensation or rent. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that pilots who operate aircraft for regular airlines, such as JetBlue or Southwest Airlines, need an air transport pilot certificate and a first-class medical certificate.
Obtaining a medical certificate before starting flight school ensures that there are no underlying medical conditions or complications that prevent you from operating an airplane safely and legally. In other words, without a valid second-class medical certificate, you will not be able to fly as a commercial pilot and will only be able to exercise your third-class flight privileges. Many designated pilot examiners find inconsistencies in their applicants' documentation, which can make air travel off to a difficult start. Passing a medical exam is part of a pilot's career, as physical and mental health is a fundamental safety factor that can affect any phase of the flight.
Whether you want to become a private pilot or an airline pilot, the next step is to get your medical certificate. They must pass a voice test that requires them to listen to a conversation from a distance of 6 feet, with or without a hearing aid. In the United States, all student, recreational, sports, private, commercial and airline pilots must be in possession of valid pilot and medical certificates issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, which is responsible for enforcing federal aviation laws and regulations.
