All pilots (including Student Pilots) who wish to act as Pilot in Command must hold a valid FAA Medical certificate, or have completed the requirements under the FAA’s Basic Med program.

  • If you intend to exercise Student or Private Pilot privileges, all you need is a Third Class Medical. The certificate is valid for 60 calendar months if you’re under 40 years of age on the date the certificate was issued, and it’s valid for 24 months if you’re 40 or older.
  • If you intend to exercise Commercial Pilot privileges, you’ll need a Second Class Medical.
  • If you intend to exercise ATP privileges, you’ll need a First Class Medical.

If you are healthy individual with no reason to suspect you might not qualify for a First Class Medical, and your intention is to eventually work for the airlines, some AME’s will advise that you go ahead and obtain a First Class Medical. For more information, click here.

To search the FAA’s AME database, click here. Before your appointment you must complete a medical history form on the FAA’s MedXpress website.

Dr. Stratton Sterghos, Jr., AME
3117 Spring Glen Rd., Suite 408, Jacksonville FL 32207
(904) 858-1009