📘14 CFR §67 — Medical Standards

✏️ Plain-English Summary

Part 67 outlines the medical standards and certification requirements for pilots. It establishes the types of medical certificates (First, Second, Third Class) and the requirements you must meet to hold each one. The goal is to ensure that pilots are physically and mentally fit to fly.

✅ Key Takeaways for PPL Students:

Three Types of Medical Certificates:

1. First-Class Medical Certificate

   • Required for airline transport pilots (ATP).

   • Valid for 12 months if under 40 years old, or 6 months if over 40.

   • Privileged for commercial operations (Second-class privileges after expiration).

2. Second-Class Medical Certificate

   • Required for commercial pilots.

   • Valid for 12 months if under 40 years old, or 6 months if over 40.

   • Privileged for commercial operations.

3. Third-Class Medical Certificate

   • Required for private pilots and student pilots.

   • Valid for 60 months if under 40 years old, or 24 months if over 40.

   • After expiration, a new medical certificate must be obtained.

Medical Standards:

• Vision: Must meet 20/40 vision in each eye (with or without correction).

• Hearing: Must be able to understand conversational speech (with or without hearing aids).

• Mental Health: Must not have a disqualifying mental health condition (such as a history of psychosis or severe depression).

• Cardiovascular Health: Must not have a history of uncontrolled heart conditions or stroke.

✈️ Scenario:

Your student pilot holds a third-class medical and is planning a cross-country flight. During the flight, they start feeling lightheaded and report a history of fainting spells. What should they do?

• Answer: Under §67, they should not continue flying and should report their symptoms to the FAA. This is a disqualifying condition for private pilots.

You are 42 years old and your third-class medical expired 3 months ago. Can you legally fly?

• Answer: No, since the medical is expired, you must renew it before you can legally fly. The third-class medical is only valid for 24 months if you’re over 40.

🧠 Memory Aid:

"First for ATP, Second for Commercial, Third for Private."

🎓 CFI Teaching Tip:

Encourage students to check medical status before every flight.

“Before every flight, ask yourself: Are you legally fit to fly? Have you passed your required medical?”

This is not just a legal requirement but critical for safety.

📚 References:

• FAR §67 – Medical Standards and Certification

• FAA Medical Certification Guide

• AIM 3-2-2 – Medical certification standards

• CAPTn Stage 1 Questions – Medical certification scenarios​CAPTn'S Stage 1 Questio…